British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell has apologized after being charged with impaired driving in Hawaii.

Maui police Sgt. Ken Prather says Campbell was arrested just after 1 a.m. Friday morning.

"At 1:23 in the morning, a Gordon M. Campbell, a 54-year-old male was arrested for drunk driving on the island of Maui. He has since bailed out. He bailed out sometime this morning."




Prather says Campbell did spend some time in jail before bail of $257 was posted and a tentative court date of March 25 was set.

STATEMENT FROM PREMIER GORDON CAMPBELL
For Immediate Release Jan. 10, 2003 Office of the Premier

I have made a serious mistake, and I want to apologize to everyone including my family, my colleagues and the people of British Columbia.

Last night, I was returning home from dinner with friends, and the Maui police pulled me over. I was arrested and charged with driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. I do not intend to contest the charge.

I will make myself available to the media Sunday, Jan. 12, at 3 p.m. at a location to be determined.

Gordon Campbell Premier

Late Friday afternoon Campbell's office issued a statement in which Campbell said he "made a serious mistake," and offered an apology to his family, colleagues and the people of British Columbia.

"I do not intend to contest the charge," he said.

B.C. NDP leader Joy MacPhail issued a brief written statement calling the news of Campbell's arrest "deeply troubling."

MacPhail said she wants the premier to explain the circumstances that led to his arrest. Until then, she'll make no further comment.

Campbell is in Hawaii on vacation. He said he will speak with the media when he returns to Vancouver on Sunday.