From The Garden Island:

Last week’s incident involving a 74-year-old Kapaa resident operating a school bus under the influence was a first for Complex Area Superintendent Bill Arakaki. KPD reported Koth was not under the influence of alcohol.

“This is the first incident of this nature … regarding a driver being arrested for OVUII (operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant),” he wrote in an email.

Lawrence Koth was en route to Kapaa Middle School Thursday morning when citizens reported the bus was swerving on the roadway, according to the Kauai Police Department.

When KPD officers initiated a traffic stop, the man side-swiped a parked boat and trailer. Koth failed an initial sobriety test while on scene and was subsequently charged with the crime. He was later released from custody after posting $250 bail. Read the full story.

And here’s the latest in other neighbor isle gov’t and politics:

Black Pot SMA permits on hold

Space researchers emerge from Mauna Kea isolation

Hawaii County police chief replies to web survey

Maui kitesurfer’s board bitten by shark

Kau radio station sold to Hawaii Public Radio

Big Isle cops gearing up Labor Day DUI enforcement

Arbitration gives big boost to Maui police pay

Hawaii County police in helicopters search for pot

Owners of planned restaurant in Paia seek to ease fears

Photo: Kapaa. (hookbrother)

—Chad Blair