Prosecution of "Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant" (OUI) Cases and Participate in Traffic Crime Prevention Activities in the Community and with Law Enforcement Agencies

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) allows states and units of local government, including tribes, to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own state and local needs and conditions. Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice, including for any one or more of the following purpose areas: 1) law enforcement programs; 2) prosecution and court programs; 3) prevention and education programs; 4) corrections and community corrections programs; 5) drug treatment and enforcement programs; 6) planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs; and 7) crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation).

The County of Maui, through the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, proposes to utilize the FY 2012 JAG Award funds to hire a full-time prosecutor, exclusively to prosecute violators of traffic crimes with the maximum sentencing, and to address the legal consequences of these crimes to community agencies and public forums with an end result of promoting traffic safety. The prosecutor will also provide education and training materials for community presentations and related government agencies. The Department is unable to fund a deputy prosecuting attorney with County funds. Consequently, funding this project will assist in the reduction of OUI traffic crimes, and promote a safer driving environment in the County of Maui.

NCA/NCF