Tom Lackey, whose politically focused cartoons once were featured on Big Island Chronicle, was slated to have a bench trial in District Court at 2 p.m. today for a drunk driving charge dating back to September. But Lackey convinced Judge Henry Freitas to delay the trial until 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 20. Pictured is Lackey's Jeep parked outside the Hilo Judiciary with a jury dury paper on the dashboard on Jan. 17, 2012, the day Keolaokalani Kailianu was sentenced to 10 years in prison for driving drunk and killing UH Hilo student Ted Braxton last May.
February 8th, 2012 at 6:39 am
I don’t normally comment on posts such as this, and of course I think drunk driving is a huge problem, but really, how is this news worthy of public consumption, and unless we are given background information that makes the charge more seriously criminal in nature, how can it be mentioned with a drunk driving case in which there was a fatality?
February 8th, 2012 at 6:55 am
Hi Harry,
Typically I don’t follow the run-of-the-mill drunk driving cases.
As for Tom Lackey’s case, on the surface it looks like your ordinary drunk driving case.
But there is more to the story and it will be told through the course of time.
For now, I can tell you how ironic it was to me that I walked out of the courtroom to discover Tom Lackey’s vehicle parked outside the courthouse the day that my student’s killer was sentenced to ten years of imprisonment.
Lackey had a jury duty paper in his dashboard and a handicap placard on his rearview mirror. His vehicle was parked in a handicap stall. I didn’t know Lackey is handicapped.
Did Lackey drive himself to the courthouse? Is his license not revoked?
Maybe the more we cover these stories the less drunk driving we will see.
In 2012,you are going to see Big Island Chronicle’s coverage expand. It is my goal to follow run-of-the-mill drunk driving cases along with other crimes that menace our communities.
February 8th, 2012 at 8:42 am
So where is the problem here? January 17th I was performing jury duty… it is my civic duty to do so when called. Tiffany Edwards Hunt you have to put your facts together before you start to slander anyone. Possibly your readers don’t know that you took it upon yourself to identify yourself with one of my cartoons. You disliking the toon filed a criminal harassment complaint against me.
See toon: http://tomlackey.wordpress.com/page/5/
As for handy cap parking Barbara my disabled wife was with me because she had a doctors appointment later. Barbara as you know is 100% disabled and a recent amputee confined to a wheelchair. The auto is registered in her name and she has been issued a handicap sticker. Tiffany Edwards Hunt are you attempting to slander her also?
For the record… I am permitted to drive… by you saying that I’m driving illegally is more slander… more facts that you neglected to check.
Yes I’m going to trial for an intoxicant related matter and maybe you could come to trial so you can accurately report [like what real reporters do] the disposition of my case. Using my name in headline and not having the facts is extremely unprofessional… oh that right… it’s only a blog… but your personal property holding you responsible.
Tom Lackey
aka The Lack
February 8th, 2012 at 9:13 am
Tom Lackey,
If your wife was with you inside the courthouse on Jan. 17, please explain why the wheelchair was in the back of your Jeep. I personally viewed the wheelchair and the photo I took of your vehicle can be zoomed in to see it.
If you want to assert that your wife drove you to the courthouse on Jan. 17, I’m sure that courthouse surveillance will be able to show she was with you…
And, Lackey, you can count on me to be present for your bench trial. I will make arrangements to be there. I personally want to know what evidence you will present to Judge Freitas to assert your innocence for this drunk driving charge.
You say that you are permitted to drive and you suggest that I have acted libelously by questioning whether or not your license is revoked. Please note that I asked a question. You have provided an answer saying, “for the record” you are permitted to drive. I will check with authorities to see if this is indeed the case.
There is no slander or libel here, just the facts.
I suggest you look in the mirror, Lackey, and see that if anyone has acted libelously it is you with your salacious cartoons, including those you have tagged with my name.
Thanks to you, Lackey, a Google search of my good name now calls up your absolutely despicable cartoons, falsely depicting me as an adulteress and otherwise casting me in a negative light.
That, Lackey, is the epitome of libel. My attorney wrote you a letter ordering you to cease and desist. You laughed off the letter on an online message board and have continued to libelously refer to me.
Our journey to vindicate my good name has only just begun.
See you in court, Lackey.
February 8th, 2012 at 9:17 am
I wonder about Hawaii’s laws again. The judge in Virginia gave me a choice clean up my act or I was eventually to be jailed. I had to examine myself and admit to having a drinking problem though I haven’t had a drink since 1980. The fact that I didn’t respect my fellow man enough not to endanger him was proof I had a problem.
I cannot speak for Tom he is my friend. I can only speak about my own failings. A classmate of mine was pulled over in Maryland where the judges were not as hard. He klled nine in his first accident and got probation he killed two more in his second accident and recived a few years. Personal Responsibility is a hard choice and withdrawal a bitch. I thank God Judge Murphy and Sheriff Fairfax were hard asses in with me..
February 8th, 2012 at 9:35 am
I just double-checked with authorities and, Lackey, you are mistaken if you think you are lawfully permitted to drive.
For the record, Lackey is not lawfully permitted to drive at this point in the adjudication.
February 8th, 2012 at 10:03 am
Tiffany Edwards Hunt you assume way too much to be a professional reporter.
Barbara was transported to Kaiser medical on the 17th by taxi from the court parking lot because the court held me over. When I was excused from jury duty I picked her up at the medical center.
With the taxi report, doctors appointment, and possible the court parking lot surveillance camera your reporting will show just how unprofessional you really are.
Perhaps your attorney and your readers should view another cartoons on my site
Here: Dear Public
http://tomlackey.wordpress.com/page/7/
Or here: Hi I’m Bimbo
http://tomlackey.wordpress.com/page/16/
Now don’t say it is not slander when you publish my name in your headlines with assumptions and not bothering with the facts. That lady, is known as yellow journalism and I will welcome you in court.
The Lack
February 8th, 2012 at 10:29 am
Tom Lackey,
If we check the courthouse surveillance for Jan. 17, we will also see you, after being excused from jury duty, getting into a taxi and leaving that Jeep parked outside the Judiciary for someone with a valid driver’s license to retrieve later?
February 8th, 2012 at 10:47 am
I hate it when an able-bodied guy parks in a Handicapped stall out of sheer laziness or scofflaw mentality. Lackey’s old lady is disabled, she has a placard, but she has to be present in the vehicle for him to use the placard.
Lackey parked in Handicapped parking for his November hearing too … she did not attend. Photo:
http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g338/LeeHarlan/TLcourt4-1.jpg
No one is in the car with him …
He parked there yesterday, with two healthy guys with him, no disabled person in the car. His license is revoked, yet he didn’t ask one of the other guys to drive.
He drove to his DUI trial even though his license his revoked for refusing to blow a breathalyzer. Traffic adjudications are online here, public record. States right on cCourt Kokua that his license was revoked November 4th. So how is he allowed to drive as he states?
I thought revoked meant, um, taken away?
Seems like Lackey is doing a fine job of ruining his “good name” without any help, by lying and ignoring the law.
February 8th, 2012 at 11:16 am
>>> Barbara was transported to Kaiser medical on the 17th by taxi from the court parking lot because the court held me over. When I was excused from jury duty I picked her up at the medical center.
>>> With the taxi report, doctors appointment, and possible the court parking lot surveillance camera your reporting will show just how unprofessional you really are.
Lackey, once your disabled wife left the parking lot area, you were obligated to move the car! Open your mouth, insert foot.
What is your excuse for parking there on your hearing date and your trial date? If she was there, why were you inside the court telling the judge she couldn’t be there?
Are you so dumb about the placard rules that you think having your old lady be somewhere in town entitles you to park in the space? You have a placard to park there so that she can get out of the car and into her wheelchair, no other reason. “I took her to medical appointment and then went to my trial” is not a valid use of the placard.
Why is she a witness for your DUI trial? Was she in the car when you were pulled over? The judge said the police records don’t show any witnesses. A real witness or just a ploy to bring her in and angle for pity from the judge? Please, set the record straight.
February 8th, 2012 at 11:40 am
Having seen the Lack’s website, I would advise Damon Tucker to contact his attorney as well. What a horrible waste of the Internet.
February 8th, 2012 at 1:06 pm
Why do you think the police have ignored some of your pathetic attempts to have Tom cited for driving without a license? Well, maybe it is because he doesn’t need a license! Any of you clowns ever hear of a temporary driving permit?
They are routinely issued to those accused of all kinds of various driving infractions as the person awaits their court date.
February 8th, 2012 at 1:59 pm
Does he have a temporarily disabled placard?
Here is the online traffic record, if anyone is curious:
Administrative revocation: http://jimspss1.courts.state.hi.us:8080/eCourt/ECC/CaseSearch.jspx
Here is his page of 14 past driving cases:
http://jimspss1.courts.state.hi.us:8080/eCourt/ECC/PartyIdSearch.jspx
Three separate cases opened for Sep 9 stop. Two are settled, including license revocation. One remains:
http://jimspss1.courts.state.hi.us:8080/eCourt/ECC/CaseSearch.jspx
If he has a temp permit as you say, then good for him, too bad for the public. But he should stay out of the handicapped parking when she isn’t with him. He can walk, can’t he?
How would he like it if his old lady couldn’t find a disabled space because some lazy guy decided to act like Lackey?
February 8th, 2012 at 2:51 pm
Thank you Joe….BINGO…. you are now in the front row.
Others are just too stupid and run off at the mouth without checking the facts first…. it’s call poor jornalisum and orchidlandguy aka Lee Harlen useing the name of Lee here and posting is a perfect example. Without doing your homework first it is called slander when you get it wrong…. hey Tiff ask your lawyer.
The lack
February 8th, 2012 at 3:19 pm
I have no idea why you refer to me as orchidlandguy.
I did check facts. When the public record states your license is revoked, it is not defamatory to point that out.
If the record published by the court system is wrong, then do something to show it’s wrong, maybe tell them to correct it. Or why not put your temp permit copy on your blog for all to see? If it is for real it would be easy for you to prove it.
February 8th, 2012 at 6:44 pm
Tom Lackey made a fine proposal last May to get us all involved as citizens preventing repeat DUI’s:
Tom Lackey: “Here is what I purpose:
A person convicted of DUI say the second offence must only drive one vehicle with a special licence plate on it stating DUI and a number in red letters. If found driving any other vehicle it is a violation of probation and that person automatically is incarcerated for say one year.
Police have the right to test this person anytime they are behind the wheel for alcohol. The public has the responsibility to call the police anytime they see this vehicle driving in a irresponsible manner, leaving a bar or place where alcohol is sold, purchase any alcohol from a retailer and put in this vehicle. This vehicle will be easily identified by it’s red lettered license plate and make people aware to the hazard of driving near this person.
See this is where the law, cell phones, and the public can work together and get the habitual drunk driver off and if on the road we all knows who it is, this could save many lives. Will we do something like this, I doubt it because it makes too much sense.
The Lack”
http://www.bigislandchronicle.com/2011/05/30/hilo-news-keolaukalani-w-kailianu-facing-negligent-homicide-and-dui-charges-in-ted-braxtons-moped-death/
Good idea, Lack. Calling the police if the convicted DUI guy is seen purchasing beer from a retailer and putting it in his vehicle, that’s the ticket. You are just a trial away from being that guy.
February 8th, 2012 at 7:26 pm
Ironically, I posted this very link on another blog where the topic of Tom Lackey’s arrest was being discussed several months ago.
He claimed he never made the post and more or less asserted that I wrote it and used his name as the original poster.
My personal feelings about Tom Lackey and drunk drivers aside, I am quite alarmed at the complete and total delusion Tom Lackey has displayed over the last few months with respect to his DUI arrest as well as his personal website.
February 8th, 2012 at 7:38 pm
I have better things to do then visit websites that portray peoples cartoons portrayals of what may go on in their mind.
Nor would I waste my money or the courts time with a cartoon website.
I’m a firm believer in free speech.
I do not think what Tom is putting on his site is tasteful…
However, I feel what is more distasteful is for folks to jump over folks personal rights to express themselves online.
February 8th, 2012 at 8:15 pm
Ken, that’s news to me. Hmm, well that proposal comment was made here on Tiffany’s site and I guess if she cares she could see if it is the same IP Tom normally uses. If he didn’t really say it, I’m surprised he didn’t ask her to take it down.
It sounded to me like Lackey spouting off, even though he only spelled one word wrong. (I don’t post much, but I sure have read a lot of Lackey comments!)
February 8th, 2012 at 8:45 pm
I meant to say… I think what Tom put on his site IS DISTASTEFUL… however I stand up for folks rights to publish what they want at times.
February 8th, 2012 at 9:17 pm
I suppose if you’re OK with another person creating a character named Damon (and another character who by coincidence is named Tiffany) involved in these fantasy sex scenes, then no argument here.
I guess Lackey is paying a compliment to you by giving his Damon character has an enormous member.
February 8th, 2012 at 9:46 pm
Peter S -
Trust me… I know of many other Damon’s in Pahoa that would be much more flattered to think that was them.
While I do think that Tom may have had me in mind while drawing his toon…
I’m not one to trip out over folks constitutional rights to do what they want to do on their own time.
Remember folks… you go down a real slippery slope when you start telling folks what they can and can not say.
I’ve said this time and time again… if anyone would like assistance setting up their own site for their own free speech… or whatever…. I would be willing to help them.
In the same response… I would think folks would grow up and visit the sites they WANT to visit… instead of the sites they feel COMPELLED to visit.
Life is short… take a breath…
Acceptance, Respect, Affection… and Support!
February 8th, 2012 at 9:54 pm
Since we’re being candid here, Damon, I wonder and dare say this:
Had The Lack depicted you with a lesser package or if he would have gone so far as to victimize you in casting you in a false and negative light — being sodomized by County police, maybe? Or, maybe being dragged naked behind a vehicle, causing you a certain kind of emotional and traumatic recollection of horrible things that have truly happened in your own life — maybe you wouldn’t be so adamantly in favor of The Lackey doing whatever he wants to with his cartooning.
February 8th, 2012 at 10:18 pm
Just a polite suggestion from me, but Tom Lackey’s blog and his DUI case are separate issues. Discussion of the former is going to create a real mess of opinions here whereas the latter clearly has actual facts that may or may not be known yet.
Since this is a post about the DUI case it might be better to stick to that for the time being because otherwise I see this thread becoming unreadable and extremely nasty very quickly, especially for those not familiar with the history.
Anyway, as I said, it’s just my opinion.
February 8th, 2012 at 10:38 pm
Tiff… I don’t visit his site unless someone tells me to visit it… and no… his caricatures of “Damon” would not bother me one way or another if I folks would quit telling me to go visit his site.
The more attention he gets… the more I assume he may toon about “Damon”.
I find it ironic that you posted a huge apology letter to the world… and then the next blog post you made was this one.
Do I care… NO! Why was I brought into this… no idea.
Arguing about sex cartoons that someone chooses to draw is ridiculous!
You had no problem posting cartoons from Belsky with Phalic Symbols hidden within them….
Folks need to remember the following when it comes to Cartoon Porn in America:
“In the United States, cartoon porn that does not contain depictions of minors generally falls under the category of speech protected by the First Amendment. For more information on general legality of pornography, see Pornography in the United States. Even in the case of depiction of minors, the US Supreme Court has found that in certain conditions, banning the depiction may violate freedom of expression.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartoon_pornography#Legal_status_of_cartoon_pornography
February 8th, 2012 at 10:57 pm
Thank you, kindly, Tom, for the housekeeping suggestion. At this point, until I have a chance to write about the issue of cyberharassment, I prefer to have this one thread referring to the fact that Tom Lackey will appear in court March 20 for a bench trial on his DUI charge.
Anyone wishing to officially express concern for the salacious cartoons penned about me or for the inflammatory, false and generally libelous comments being made about me and about my family’s business to retaliate against me on an online message board can address your handwritten letter to:
Tiffany Edwards Hunt
c/o Tiffany Edwards Communications
P.O. Box 557
Kurtistown, HI 96760
Mahalo.
February 9th, 2012 at 9:45 am
@ Lee,
Lee Says:
1. February 8th, 2012 at 3:19 pm
I have no idea why you refer to me as orchidlandguy.
Because that is who you are and who you have been posting under. You have been flaming and stalking me for a very long time now.
@ Ken
Ken Says:
1. February 8th, 2012 at 7:26 pm
Ironically, I posted this very link on another blog where the topic of Tom Lackey’s arrest was being discussed several months ago.
He claimed he never made the post and more or less asserted that I wrote it and used his name as the original poster.
Well folks now here is the kind of persons that are flaming me. Ken set up a whole web site because he don’t like me.
Check it out:
http://thewackey.wordpress.com/
@ Tiffany Edwards Hunt
Tiffany Edwards Hunt Says:
February 8th, 2012 at 10:29 am
Tom Lackey,
If we check the courthouse surveillance for Jan. 17, we will also see you, after being excused from jury duty, getting into a taxi and leaving that Jeep parked outside the Judiciary for someone with a valid driver’s license to retrieve later?
Me:
See here Mrs. Hunt, more accusations without facts. Just made up lies from you then disguised with a question mark. More yellow journalism….not professional….or is that the way you were taught in school? Real news people report the news not create it.
The Lack
February 9th, 2012 at 11:03 am
Tom, nice long post but you didn’t address any of the questions. Why so evasive?
1) You say you’re permitted to drive? If you have a temp permit, why don’t you put it up on your blog and link it? You want people to stop monitoring your driving, easy solution.
2) You quoted Ken but made no response whether you made the comment to BIC that Justin quoted.
3) You quote back to Tiffany and complain, but you don’t respond on why you regularly park in handicapped stalls when your old lady is not with you.
Dude, you are so weird. I’ve never flamed you or stalked you. First time I ever talked to you online was yesterday. I have nothing to do with orchidland or a guy from there. I was at your first hearing and noticed you were abusing the disabled parking, so I documented it. I really hate when able-bodied people hog the parking that’s there for those who need help.
Your first hearing was so full of lame excuses and whining that I made a note to catch the trial. You did not disappoint. I never saw someone who was so unconcerned about royally pissing off a judge! Entertaining but pathetic.
Stalking you? You forced your attentions on me! You made lewd gestures to me in the parking lot and invited me to go somewhere private with you. Not my thing, man. If I were gay, which I’m not, I would still not be interested.
Bottom line though, if you don’t quit abusing your old lady’s placard they will take it away. If you are legal to drive, the online records say otherwise, so if you don’t prove it by doing something as easy as posting it, that says it all. btw, I DON’T want to know where you live, so please black out your personal info if you post it!
February 9th, 2012 at 12:58 pm
Why yes, poor Tom Lackey. Everybody is out to get him.
So then, I agree with Lee, why not just answer the question instead of all the subterfuge and obfuscation?
February 9th, 2012 at 8:02 pm
Why would this guy (Tom) need to prove anything to you clowns? If he has a permit (aka provisional license) then that must explain why the police keep ignoring your calls about an unlicensed driver? At this point, the police are probably getting tired of the false reports, right?
February 9th, 2012 at 8:15 pm
Thank you Joe,
Until then I will keep letting these fools keep making ass’s of themself’s. When my trial is over I will document every thing that I’m saying to show what I am saying is true. Until then you all can kiss my as-.
I will expect an apology… but will I get it… no way.
The Lack
February 9th, 2012 at 10:43 pm
I wonder who Joe is in relation to The Lack? Funny how one anonymous person who agrees with The Lack is his best friend!
At any event, you will NOT be able to produce any documents that exonerate your charge of DUI; you were arrested with an open container and refused a BAC test. There are specific and non negotiable penalties under this form of arrest.
Secondly, you DO NOT have ANY legal ability to operate ANY motor vehicle under ANY pretense.
That is the law. And that has been verified – by others ANY by me.
This is delusion Tom.
The apology needs to come from you.
And given to the Community you threatened and continue to threaten.
February 9th, 2012 at 10:54 pm
One more point.
You should also begin to prepare your second apology for wasting the Court’s time as well as the Police Officers’ time with the ridiculous charade you have now played out in Court 2 times in this matter.
February 10th, 2012 at 7:27 am
denial is a long strange river isn’t it?
February 10th, 2012 at 10:05 am
Ken, Lee, et al;
I have a friend who had a provisional license in Hawaii for 14 months while his “trial” kept getting moved around. The court records that you keep referring to will only show that the license was revoked/suspended. The court records DO NOT show (or does the court even know) that the person has obtained the provisional license. All it takes to obtain the provisional license is a payment of a fee and participation in a conference call if on Hawaii Island. If on Oahu, you have to attend in person. It is almost always granted for a 1st offense or when their has been no accident caused, etc.
February 10th, 2012 at 10:46 am
This is what I have been told happens when you get a DUI… and this is as of January 2011…
You get a 30-day permit to get your life in order.
During that time period, you can request the ADLRO (the acronym stands for Administration of Drivers License Revocation Office on Oahu) give you your license back.
I’m told they always deny you and use whatever you write in your application against you in court. Your lawyer typically advises you to carefully fill out this application for that reason.)
You fill out the application, they deny you, and then you request a hearing, which is held over the phone and is supposed to be within 25 days of your application being filed.
Then, once the ADLRO denies you, that offices sends you paperwork that says where you can install a SmartStart and become a client. (In Hilo, that installation occurs at CD Wizard.)
Once you have gotten your install of SmartStart complete (which costs $185 for the install in the first month and $90 per month beyond that), then you can send that information in to ADLRO and request a permit.
Then, you wait. It should be about a week. Typically, if you install a SmartStart and show proof that you have it, the ADLRO will approve your permit. It depends on whether or not this is your first offense and if your license is current.
Meanwhile, you go to court for your initial appearance, your preliminary hearing, your arraignment. Depending on your plea, if you plead guilty or no contest, you are typically fined, assigned to community service, driver’s ed, substance abuse counseling, etc.
If you plead not guilty, you get an attorney, have up to five pre-trial conferences and await your trial.
Really, the only way someone awaiting adjudication for a DUI charge can drive is if they install the SmartStart or drive illegally and pray they don’t get pulled over.
The only exception is if you convince the ADLRO that you need to drive a company or farm vehicle.
But still you cannot legally drive your own vehicle with a pending DUI charge unless you install a SmartStart. You cannot even legally drive a company or farm vehicle outside of the realm of work.
February 10th, 2012 at 12:17 pm
How about that Mrs. Hunt got most of the facts right… Her down fall is that she don’t know jack about me or what I’m doing. So she and others can assume what ever they want. I suggest that you all keep trashing me and call the police every chance you get.
Joe, I don’t know who you are but you are the only one that is showing sense here. I refuse to bend over for these fools on this site and others just to be trashed by them some more.
Again I say to the fools that know nothing to keep calling the police, make a report to them and be sure to sign it. The police will not listen to anonymous callers and I would love to have the fools as part of a public record. Being an anonymous fool on a blog and jacking your jaws is one thing but signing your name to a official document, none of these fools have the balls.
The Lack
February 10th, 2012 at 12:33 pm
I guess the prosecutor is a “fool” then? I heard him telling the police at the courthouse to watch you to see if you drove away, because you are not supposed to be driving. Didn’t hear the police complaining he was wasting their time.
February 10th, 2012 at 1:28 pm
Yeh – here we go – more denial, more obfuscation, more subterfuge – and of course – classic Lackey with the “I am better than you” reason.
All others have their license suspended. Lackey is just special.
I should point out that on another board, he made reference to certain road work being done, as well as thanking Fred Blas for that so he could commute “under the radar.”
Why is it that all anonymous posters are fools without balls? Except Joe that is. Whoever Joe is that is too!
February 10th, 2012 at 5:56 pm
Hey Lee harlan,
would you like to put your name to that slander?
If that is fact why diden’t they pull me over when I left the court house? Just more BS from a fool.
The lack
February 10th, 2012 at 6:17 pm
Here is one for Tiffany Edwards Hunt,
You and your supporters have inferred that I’m driving illegally but you keep putting a question mark to protect your self’s. If afer all this BS spin you feel that I’m breaking the law then just say this , “I Tiffany Edwards Hunt know that Thomas Earl Lackey is driving illegally” If you can’t say that then you are cyberharessing me. Hey lady, do you have the balls or you just spinning the truth as usual? I believe that you will be the coward that you are and not put your ass on the line. Are you up for the challenge or do just like to wallow in your own crap?
This is prety much a put up or shut up thing….my best quess is that you will shut up.
The Lack
February 10th, 2012 at 6:19 pm
That’s what I heard the prosecutor say to the police. I can’t speak to why the police acted or didn’t act.
February 10th, 2012 at 6:22 pm
Forgive my spelling i’m tired and I have many more things to deal with that a bunch of as-holes
The lack
February 10th, 2012 at 11:01 pm
This is interesting. From the online eCourt Kokua system (http://jimspss1.courts.state.hi.us:8080/eCourt/):
“(HPF/TLC/LKT) DPA, L. Burns, present for State. Defendant present w/DPD, N. Lawrence. State request continuance to speak with defense’s witnesses. State notes that he had requested a list of defense’s witnesses, but had not been provided with such. Lawrence states Defendant has brought two witnesses to testify on his behalf. Court advises defendant that unless he supplies State with the names of witnesses and allows State to speak with them prior to trial, Court will not allow the witnesses to testify in his defense. Defendant to give State a list of his witnesses no later the 2/21/12. Trial continued to 3/20/12, at 830 a.m. in Courtroom 2C. Defendant ordered to appear. State’s witnesses, Officer Waimau and Finkey also ordered to return under the original subpoena.”
Tom
February 10th, 2012 at 11:19 pm
Interesting indeed TomK… seem to recognize that officers name.
February 10th, 2012 at 11:52 pm
Yep Damon… this is the same police oficer that caused you your pain and suffering. That is the reason I refused the breath-a-lazier when I saw his name on his uniform I freaked out. All I wanted to do is get the Hell out of there…oh man was I wrong. After 43 years of having and maintaining a drivers license here in the great state of Hawaii and not knowing the law of the land I came to a rude awakening. You are guilty until proven innocent.
But stay tuned I will prove it.
Justice will pervail
The Lack
February 11th, 2012 at 1:00 am
Tom Lackey – I haven’t lived in the state of Hawaii anywhere near as long as you have but I know the law about drunk driving. I’m surprised that you admit you don’t. I also don’t believe for one second your excuse that you recognized the police officer was also the one involved with Damon’s case. That is a huge stretch of imagination but we’ll see what happens in court. Good luck with that one – it’ll be an interesting defense.
Damon – my name is Tom, not TomK.
February 11th, 2012 at 11:44 am
I find BOTH the poo being flung willy-nilly on this thread, and the implications of the Lack’s sexual cartoons offensive. You do know kids can read the internet. We really did not need to know about the arrest Tiff, nor the link to the offensive cartoon Lack.
What happened, the two of you USE to be friends? Please stop this, shake hands and leave each other alone. Or at least agree to stop using BIC as a weapon.
Please, one of you needs to end this death spiral or both will end up with damaged reputations.
February 11th, 2012 at 1:07 pm
Re the DUI trial, I think the public interest in The Lack’s trial largely stems from the fact that very few who drink and drive have the nerve to talk openly about it on a local message board.
Lack has been sending the message online that driving with a can of beer between his legs is part of the Puna lifestyle and no big deal. Seeing him finally charged with an open container violation says to me that the Puna police are not such idiots as made out to be.
In addition, he has refused to install a Smart Start or to stop driving since his arrest. He posts openly about driving the back way to Kapoho in order to fly under the radar.
It is because Lack chose to publicize his drinking and driving lifestyle online, that it deserves some online attention that he is now being brought to account for the behavior.
As for the former friendship, he drew a cartoon of Tiffany giving Damon a blow job, and another of Tiffany being raped and sodomized and cheating on her husband. It’s funny how that kind of stuff will make a woman feel less warm and fuzzy about a guy. If anyone chooses to think less of Tiffany for objecting to that treatment, I have to wonder about their values and compassion.
February 11th, 2012 at 1:51 pm
I live in Hawaiian Beaches. Since Tom Lackey has been charged with drunk driving I have witnessed at least 4 times where Tom Lackey was driving by himself in his old beater Jeep. I saw him get out of the car at Malama market and go shop and then drive away. Nobody was in the car with him. I looked to see if there was some type of gizmo to blow into like thay have for the drunks how drive. His car has nothing attached to blow his drunk breath into. He brags about being able to drive drunk and now brags about driving without a license. What a drunk looser. Keep him off the road and off the internet. His pornographic website is childish and disgusting.
February 11th, 2012 at 3:02 pm
I normally wouldn’t comment on topics like this, but I can’t sit idly by anymore. Tom’s blog falls under free speech. However, his cartoons have crossed the line of common decency as of late.
I don’t profess to understand why he started doing these cartoons, but I hope he realizes that he should stop doing it. There is much bigger issues in life than harassing other people for no good reason.
These cartoons and his recent DUI arrest are obvious signs that Tom needs psychological help. No normal human being would draw such disrespectful and pornographic images of other people.
February 12th, 2012 at 7:51 am
report ANYONE you see driving with an open vessel in their car. You, your loved one, your child or any innocent person could be killed or maimed by an uncaring ADDICT. That’s right. You do not have to be on junk to be a junky.
February 12th, 2012 at 7:46 pm
I would like everyone to report those smoking pakalolo (you know, dakine?) as well.
—————–
If Tiffany Hunt truly wanted nothing to do with Tom Lackey, she would not have posted this article, nor any other responses to his posts. She posted these items to gain additional exposure.
Tiffany IS a public figure due to her large presence in the political arena and her recent announcement of campaign manager for Zendo Kern.
February 13th, 2012 at 5:18 am
@Joe
Perhaps maybe she is exposing The Lack for being the loud, obnoxious, belligerent, sexually deviant, drunk, imbecile he really is?
Just saying.
February 13th, 2012 at 9:20 am
Ken,
As I said in the other comments, is it not his legal right to be loud, obnoxious, belligerent, sexually deviant, drunk, etc?
Many people would proclaim you to be an arrogant, self-indulgent, bragging, loud mouth. It is your right to be all of those, whether others like it or not.
Just saying.
February 13th, 2012 at 1:11 pm
@Joe
Replied to you in the Cyberharassment Bill topic.
You wrote:
Tiffany IS a public figure due to her large presence in the political arena and her recent announcement of campaign manager for Zendo Kern.
I doubt the court would agree that Tiffany’s public presence and influence rises to the standards set for all-purpose public figures as set forth here:
http://www.citmedialaw.org/legal-guide/proving-fault-actual-malice-and-negligence
Remember that Puna is just a little corner of a very large country. Damon Tucker argued to me once that I was a public figure similar to Sarah Palin (according to Tom Lackey logic).
Apparently in his mind there is little difference between making posts on a small local community message board and being the governor of a state seeking office as VP of the U.S.. Seems your mind runs along similar lines.
The class of public figure is meant to be a minority of our citizens, for whom the public interest in discussing them is so compelling that it would have a chilling effect on our entire society not to be able to speak freely regarding them without fear of being hauled into court.
February 13th, 2012 at 5:47 pm
Thank you, KathyH.
The third point in this excerpt (provided by you) proves what I was saying about Mrs. Hunt being a public figure:
“As regards figures who become prominent through involvement in a current controversy, the law is unfortunately rather murky. In general, emphasis is placed not on whether the controversy is a subject of public interest, but rather:
* The depth of the person’s participation in the controversy.
* The amount of freedom he or she has in choosing to engage in the controversy in the first place (e.g., if they were forced into the public light). See Wolston v. Reader’s Digest Association, 443 U.S. 157 (1979).
* Whether he has taken advantage of the media to advocate his cause. See Time, Inc. v. Firestone, 424 U.S. 448 (U.S. 1976).
Based upon that point alone, in this little locality known as Puna, Mrs. Hunt has become a public figure because of her continued involvement in attempting to publicize her involvement. Since her (this) blog benefits from advertising revenue, it fits quite well.
She also thrusts her name and opinions into news stories of the area as often as possible.
February 13th, 2012 at 6:27 pm
Yes, I did provide you with this. I do try to provide information that speaks to all sides of the issue and not only what supports my point.
IF I were arguing this to the Court, I would point out that the problem here is “this little locality.” This is a small stage.
As an analogy, prominent sports players are considered public figures, but only when they attain fame. The star players of the Pahoa High team are not public figures by virtue of their participation, even though they may be stars of their own community.
A movie actor is a public figure, but the star of a local theater production is not.
A person who engages the national media in pursuing publicity for a story is a public figure. A person who operates one blog and has no real influence on other media is not.
If you read the case law on public figures (and I have only read some, don’t pretend to have read all), from what I read, there is a principle of fairness at work which gives fewer rights for complaint to people who have great resources, great enough to impose their point of view upon enough readers to change public opinion on the national stage. Mrs. Hunt does not fall into that category. Neither does Mr. Lackey.
Furthermore, Mrs. Hunt had not publicly injected herself into the cyber harassment controversy when Mr. Lackey did his first cartoons. She had not published a word AFAIK. She had only tried to conduct interviews.
Suddenly, she had become a victim of harassment. After that, she was battling against something that had been thrust upon her, the same as I have.
February 13th, 2012 at 7:01 pm
KathyH,
The problem with trying to defend Mrs. Hunt in your reply is that she does inject herself into numerous causes, and uses her websites’ large readership to form public opinion to her own advantage. She also makes no bones about her “reporting” abilities, routinely using such phrases as “scoop” and “exclusive”. She accepts advertising on her site and actively looks for additional advertisers – as does a newspaper or magazine. Her name is ALL OVER this website as well as being routinely interviewed on other media outlets. Even her email address starts with “newswoman”.
Of course, she does not meet the qualification of a national public figure. However, this being an island, with a limited population and limited media outlets, she is most likely one of the most well known media people on the island. Add in her recent announcement of being a campaign manager in an upcoming election, and she gains even more exposure and notoriety.
I don’t really care about Tom Lackey other than watching how this guy has had his rights as equally trampled by those people who prefer political correctness over his right to be a racist, homophobic, etc. I don’t care for it, but he does have rights and even Damon Tucker is correct on some of his points as well.
I do still have to ask why, if he is not legal to drive, the local police have not arrested him even though a number of people have claimed to have called the local police and informed them of an unlicensed driver being on the roads? It makes me wonder why. Do you wonder about that, too?
February 13th, 2012 at 8:20 pm
@Joe,
I am getting tired of getting asked the questions, so I may start ignoring them. It’s time-consuming. Why not direct your questions to all the readers?
You wrote:
“I do still have to ask why, if he is not legal to drive, the local police have not arrested him even though a number of people have claimed to have called the local police and informed them of an unlicensed driver being on the roads? It makes me wonder why. Do you wonder about that, too?”
As I’m not one of the people who called the police on him or claimed to, how would I know what the police reasoning was?
If I had to guess, I would surmise that having a revoked license is not in itself probable cause for a traffic stop. I would guess that a traffic infraction is required to trigger a stop, and then the person gets cited for driving with revoked license?
However, that is only a guess, since you asked.
The Hawai’i DUI laws are spelled out in HRS 291E so feel free to read them! As of January 2011, the law says a person cannot get a conditional license after refusing to take a breathalyzer test, without installing an ignition interlock control device.
So you tell me how Mr. Lackey would qualify for a conditional license if he has not installed an IICD.
February 13th, 2012 at 10:59 pm
@Joe
Where has Tiffany ever on this blog of hers depicted anyone being beaten, sodomized, and an adulteress?
All Tiffany has done here is report on public information, available on State and County Websites, the HTH and the WHT.
I can’t help it of the subject of that public information is a belligerent, drunk, obnixious, sexually deviant perverted old man.
But that is whom you desire to support and defend. And you wish to censor the reporting of public information – or news as its called and support a belligerent, drunk, obnixious, sexually deviant perverted old man.
I truly understand what kind of person you really are now!
One more point, I hope he does not kill you or anyone you know while driving illegally as well as most likely drunk.
February 14th, 2012 at 8:26 pm
“In 2012,you are going to see Big Island Chronicle’s coverage expand. It is my goal to follow run-of-the-mill drunk driving cases along with other crimes that menace our communities.”
With approximately 30 DUI cases per week, how many of these have you tried to make news stories about so far this year? Would that be ONE? The one person who you currently disagree with?
Your “jounalism” is flawed. It is all based upon who ever disagrees with you. To quote Damon… pfffft.
February 14th, 2012 at 8:50 pm
As requested — Here is the latest DUI stats:
Community: DUI stats 02-14-12
Hi Tiffany Edwards Hunt,
DUI stats 02-14-12
Hawaiʻi Police Department
Traffic Services Section
Sergeant Robert Pauole
Phone: 961-2305
Media Release
During the week of February 6, 2012, through February 12, 2012, Big Island police arrested 30 motorists for drunk driving. Ten of the drivers were involved in traffic crashes. Five were under the age of 21.
So far this year, there have been 161 DUI arrests compared with 162 during the same period last year, a decrease of 0.6 percent.
There have been 154 major accidents so far this year compared with 169 during the same period last year, a decrease of 8.9 percent.
So far this year, there were two traffic fatalities on the Big Island compared with five during the same period last year, a decrease of 60 percent.
DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island wide.
February 15th, 2012 at 9:22 am
My advise….. Stop fueling the fire and it will go out
February 15th, 2012 at 11:13 am
The story is about Drunk Driving. PERIOD.
The issue has gone so far as to have absolute lower than whale shit cretins supporting a DRUNK loud mouthed racist homophobe belligerent asshole who draws sexually perverted cartoons about real people here in this community as his single perverted attempt at self gratification over that of a hard working community minded child loving contributing member of society.
And why?
Because we want to drive DRUNK.
Says a lot about the whole issue. And the entire TRUTH of it as well. As well as for lower than whale shit cretins such as Tom Lackey and his “sock puppet” Robert Elrich.
February 15th, 2012 at 11:50 am
“Tom Lackey and his “sock puppet” Robert Elrich.”
aka Mark Dugan …
personal friend of the DUI defendant, yet an ardent crusader against drivers who consume marijuana, what a logical world we don’t live in …
February 15th, 2012 at 11:54 am
I honestly don’t know who Robert Elrich is, and how you are convinced it is someone else who I am not familiar with — please explain to readers. Thanks.
February 15th, 2012 at 12:43 pm
Sorry Tiffany, I should have said IMHO. After reading the same person’s posts for a year or two, same type of denigration of me, same consistent support of Lackey, it just clicks.
I was referring to the person who searched the judiciary records to find your denied TRO and draw it to Tom’s attention in a public post, here:
http://punaonline.com/smf/index.php?topic=1976.15
I figured he (Mark D) would also search my name and post anything he found within a day, and that is exactly what happened, but instead “Robert Elrich” posted it.
Never mind that “Robert” doesn’t know any back story about me, just wants to publicize that I am having a tough time financially to make me look bad. How nice that he finds the information about recession-related hardship “interesting.” A kind person …
I’d like to think there aren’t that many mean-spirited people in Puna, but maybe Robert is Mark’s doppelganger.
February 15th, 2012 at 7:01 pm
Sorry Kathy E Hancock… but…
I have read many posts in the last year about you and your escapades. I am really tired of your lies, especially regarding your tripadvisor posts.
You are quite mistaken on your apparent outing of me. I am who I say I am.
Robert Elrich – HPP resident.
ps – I own 8 lots and 2 houses in HPP. Find me. Go ahead.
March 20th, 2012 at 9:07 am
A friend of mine told me about this site informing the public about what’s going on the Big Island, but I wonder if there is anything behind this thread. Who is Tom Lackey and why is his drunk driving trial a news?
April 17th, 2012 at 9:36 pm
Shrill. Petulant. Whining.
I never would have known about these allegedly “offensive” (but, hey, last I checked, Constitutionally-protected) cartoons were it not for the borderline hysteria regarding this exercise in free speech.
Get over yourselves. Don’t bitch about crime. Fight it.
IF a crime has been committed, call the police. If you think a crime is about to be committed, call the police. If you call the police, you have done your job. Then STFU.
You just look foolish in the eyes of people who realize there are a lot more serious things to worry about than allegedly being the subject of a cartoonist’s blog.
Exclamation Point:
“A friend of mine told me about this site informing the public about what’s going on the Big Island, but I wonder if there is anything behind this thread. Who is Tom Lackey and why is his drunk driving trial a news?”
Peter Peppers
Even if Peter is not a real person, and, possibly, a “shill” for Tom [after all, no living human being on the face of the planet with a three-digit IQ and a shred of decency and love of Jesus could possibly side with Tom and "free speech," right?], this whole “let’s get Tom” think is incredibly “Junior High” like. Don’t you think? Really.
Juvenile.
Pathetic.
MADD is a cause. It’s about a PROBLEM. Not a PERSON.
“Let’s Get Tom” for “drunk driving” ["because he offended me"] is a personal vendetta.
Please grow up, everybody.
Find something important to do. Take pictures of your kids, growing up, not cars allegedly parked in “handicapped” stalls illegally. Geeeesh.
April 17th, 2012 at 10:45 pm
[...] at the end of the line for any more continuances — tomorrow makes more than six months since his DUI arrest and any more trial delays would have denied him his right to a speedy trial. Never mind that one of his trial continuances [...]