KEALAKEKUA — One of the organizers of “Freedom Ride 2016” is arguing the State of the Hawaii does not have jurisdiction over him because of his sovereign status.
KEALAKEKUA — One of the organizers of “Freedom Ride 2016” is arguing the State of the Hawaii does not have jurisdiction over him because of his sovereign status.
The argument will be heard as part of Paul Komara’s attempt to dismiss charges of “displaying or owning a driver’s license not issued to the person,” driving with an improper driver’s license, driving without no insurance and driving with an imitation of a certificate of inspection due to lack of jurisdiction. He also seeks to dismiss a contempt of court charge issued by District Judge Margaret Masunaga on May 5 when he continued speaking over her.
Komara told District Court Judge Michael Udovic during a hearing Monday that he is “immune” to state laws because he is a citizen of the Kingdom of Hawaii.
The United States government does not recognize any Kingdom of Hawaii.
Udovic will hear the motion to dismiss on Sept. 23.
Court records show Komara has been cited with similar offenses on Jan. 31, Feb. 3, May 15 and May 27.
He told West Hawaii Today that these incidents are part of a campaign of harassment for his involvement with the “Freedom Ride” event. In that event a number of people drove without licenses, as they operate under a legal theory that the Constitutional right to travel means they do not need such materials. This has not been recognized in court.
He is slated to appear before District Court Judge Margaret Masunaga on Aug. 15 in connection with some of the charges.