Hawaii AG Secures First Conviction Under Habitual Unlicensed Driver Law

AG: Hawaii News Releases

Filed March 3rd, 2026

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

The Hawaii Attorney General's office announced the first conviction under the state's new habitual unlicensed driver law (Act 212). Michael Johnson was convicted for repeated driving without a license, with 17 prior convictions in five years. This action highlights the state's commitment to enforcing traffic safety laws.

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What changed

The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General has secured the first conviction under Act 212, a law enacted to target habitual unlicensed drivers. The conviction of Michael Johnson in State v. Michael Johnson, Case No. 1CPC-24-0001429, marks a significant enforcement action under the enhanced penalty provisions of this law, which was signed on July 5, 2024, in response to rising traffic fatalities. Attorney General Anne Lopez emphasized the law's role in holding repeat offenders accountable, noting Johnson's 17 prior convictions for driving without a license within the last five years.

This development signifies a new enforcement focus on habitual unlicensed driving in Hawaii. Regulated entities and legal professionals should be aware of Act 212 and its implications for individuals with multiple driving without a license offenses. While no specific compliance deadline is mentioned for other entities, this case demonstrates the state's intent to prosecute vigorously under this law, with potential consequences including enhanced penalties for offenders. Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors are encouraged to utilize these provisions to enhance public safety.

What to do next

Review Act 212 of the 32nd Legislature of the state of Hawaiʻi for specific provisions and penalties.
Assess internal policies and procedures related to traffic violations and unlicensed driving enforcement.
Stay informed on further enforcement actions and judicial interpretations of Act 212.

Source document (simplified)

STATE OF HAWAIʻI KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI JOSH GREEN, M.D. GOVERNOR KE KIAʻĀINA DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL KA ʻOIHANA O KA LOIO KUHINA ANNE LOPEZ ATTORNEY GENERAL DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FIRST IN STATE TO SECURE CONVICTION UNDER NEW HABITUAL UNLICENSED DRIVER LAW News Release 2026-11 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 3, 2026 HONOLULU – The Department of the Attorney General is the first prosecuting authority in the state of Hawaiʻi to bring charges under the enhanced penalty provisions of Act 212, a law targeting habitual offenders who repeatedly drive without a valid license. The charges resulted in the prosecution and conviction of Michael Johnson in State v. Michael Johnson, Case No. 1CPC-24-0001429. Act 212 of the 32nd Legislature of the state of Hawaiʻi was signed into law by Governor Green on July 5, 2024. The law created enhanced penalties for individuals who habitually drive without a license and was enacted in response to increasing traffic fatalities across the state, including the tragic death of Sara Yara. “The Department of the Attorney General remains committed to conscientious prosecution and brought these charges in light of Mr. Johnson’s 17 prior convictions for Driving Without a License within the last five years,” said Attorney General Anne Lopez.

Department of the Attorney General News Release 2026-11 “Habitual unlicensed drivers pose a serious risk to public safety and Act 212 provides important accountability measures to address that conduct.” This conviction was made possible by the dedicated work of members of the Department of Law Enforcement who investigated the matter and Sheriffs who made the initial traffic stop. The case was prosecuted by the Department of the Attorney General’s Criminal Justice Division. Both the Department of the Attorney General and the Department of Law Enforcement remain committed to promoting safety for drivers and pedestrians of the state of Hawaiʻi. # # # Media contacts: Dave Day Special Assistant to the Attorney General Office: 808-586-1284 Email: david.d.day@hawaii.gov Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov Toni Schwartz Public Information Officer Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney General Office: 808-586-1252 Cell: 808-379-9249 Email: Toni.E.Schwartz@hawaii.gov Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov