Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
meates the official tongues. To learn language basics, including some Hawaiian and
pidgin terms, visit
www.lonelyplanet.com/hawaiian-language
for our free Hawaiian Lan-
guage & Glossary download.
Legal Matters
If you are arrested, you have the right to an attorney; if you can't afford one, a public de-
fender will be provided free. The
Hawaii State Bar Association
( 537-9140;
www.hawaiilawyerreferral.com
) makes attorney referrals. International visitors may want
to call their consulate for advice; police will provide the telephone number upon request.
Alcohol & Drugs
»
Bars, clubs and liquor stores may require photo ID to prove you're of legal age (21
years) to buy alcohol.
»
Drinking alcohol anywhere other than at a private residence or licensed premises (eg
bar, restaurant) is illegal, which puts parks and beaches off-limits.
»
The possession of marijuana and nonprescription narcotics is illegal. Foreigners con-
victed of a drug offense face immediate deportation.
Driving
»
If you are stopped by the police while driving, be courteous. Don't get out of the car un-
less asked.
»
Anyone driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher is guilty of driving 'under
the influence' (DUI), which carries severe penalties.
»
Police can give roadside sobriety checks to assess if you've been drinking or using
drugs. Refusing to be tested is legally considered the same as if you had taken and failed
the test.
»
It's illegal to carry open containers of alcohol inside a vehicle, even if they're empty.
Store them inside the trunk.
Smoking
»
Smoking is generally prohibited inside all public buildings, including airports, shopping
malls, bars and nightclubs.
»
On Oʻahu, smoking has now been banned at some public beaches and parks, including
Ala Moana Beach, Waikiki (Kahanamoku, Kuhio and Kapiʻolani Beaches), Kapiʻolani Park
and Sandy Beach.
