Judge allows DUI suspect in deadly Hawaii Island crash to move to Florida

Aug 25, 2026

A man awaiting trial for a deadly drunk-driving crash on Hawaii Island has been allowed to live in Florida until trial, a ruling that has angered the victim's family.

  • Dallas Brooks is charged with first-degree negligent homicide and DUI in the crash that killed 21-year-old Maxwell Robertson Sherwood over a year ago.
  • Court records show he left Hawaii without formal permission and attended a July hearing by video from out of state.
  • Judge Peter Kubota let him stay in Florida until trial, likely in February; his lawyer says out-of-state travel was never set as a bail condition.
  • Brooks was allegedly caught with a blood alcohol level near twice the legal limit, and was later seen buying beer at the store where the victim's mother works.
  • The victim's mother, backed by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, says the rules are not being enforced and every delay reopens the wound.

Outlook: The case is headed to trial in February, with the family pushing for stricter conditions in the meantime.

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