Free Child Safety Seats at Kaunakakai Police Station

As of January 1^st, it is mandatory in Hawaii for children ages three and under to be in a Child Safety Seat when riding in an automobile. The penalty for violating this law is a maximum fine of $100. Luckily for Molokai residents, the Police have you covered; Police in Kaunakakai are giving away child safety seats. The seats, for children weighing between 5 and 40 lbs, can be picked up at the police station in Kaunakakai. To obtain a free seat, make an appointment with Officer Winfrey, and provide proof of residence on Molokai.

The new law also states that children between the ages of four and seven must be in either a booster seat or child safety restraint while in the car. Kaunakakai police also will be giving away booster seats free of charge starting in early February.

The Police say that so far they have not enforced the law, but say this could change any time; it is in the public’s best interest to use the seats. “The proper use of child passenger restraints is the most important factor in preventing death and disability in a car crash,” said Health Director Dr. Chiyome Fukino. “Children in booster seats are 60 percent safer than in seat belts alone.”

For Hawaiian residents who can not take advantage of Molokai’s free seat offer, there is a $25 annual tax credit available for purchases of child safety or booster seats.