Boating While Intoxicated

Hawaii law prohibits anyone from boating while intoxicated (BWI)—that is, operating a vessel while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, narcotics, or other habit-forming drug. Alcohol and drugs cause impaired balance, blurred vision, poor coordination, impaired judgment, and slower reaction times. Alcohol is a major contributor to boating accidents and fatalities.

Hawaii law states that a person is considered to be boating while intoxicated if he or she has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more within four hours after the time of the alleged violation.