Samu Gu told police he was looking at the ocean and telling his 2-year-old son sitting in the back seat behind him to also look at the ocean when his car crossed the center line of Kalanianaole Highway near Makai Pier at Makapuu last year and crashed into a mo-ped traveling in the opposite direction.

The mo-ped operator, Elizar Acorda, 23, of Kahuku, died from injuries he suffered in the July 3, 2011 collision.

Honolulu police said Gu, 30, of Waimanalo, tested positive for marijuana use.

The city prosecutor charged Gu in May with negligent homicide and operating a vehicle without a driver’s license.

He pleaded not guilty Monday in state court. His trial is scheduled for October.