Voting for Next Prosecutor - HAWAII HUMAN TRAFFICKING ISSUE (Hawaii)

Aloha, Girl Fest Supporter (Hawaii Registered Voters)!

I don't know if you've kept up with the news but Hawaii was implicated again in the largest Human-Trafficking case in U.S. history spanning several other states and many traffickers enslaving 400 victims. http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=13100787

It's time for a local law, which is something that was stripped out of our bill last year by the legislature. Hopefully, with this global news about this huge case, we will be able to succeed in passing law next session.

Important!

Your next vote for Prosecutor could mean the difference between passing Hawaii's first state law against Human-Trafficking or not. Know the candidates!

Don't know who to vote for? Well, here's some information that may help you make up your minds. Civil Beat asked each of three prosecutor candidates in the 2010 race to respond to 10 questions.

Here’s two that pertain to Human Trafficking:

KEITH KANESHIRO’S RESPONSE:

1) Do you believe the current law is adequate to address human trafficking on Oahu?

No. Victims of human trafficking should be included in the statewide witness program that provides for services to these types of victims. In addition, the laws on prostitution need to be simplified to clearly establish the prohibited conduct of human trafficking. The penalties for those involved should also be increased.

2) Do you believe john laws are strong enough in Hawaii?

No. Patrons of prostitution should be charged with a felony offense and not charged with a petty misdemeanor. By imposing tough penalties on the patrons, we will impact the demand for prostitutes.

http://www.civilbeat.com/topics/keith-kaneshiro/

DARWIN CHING’S RESPONSE:

1) Do you believe the current law is adequate to address human trafficking on Oahu?

If the question is asking about the illegal immigration activities on Oahu, then my response is that the primary jurisdiction for law enforcement activities rests with the federal agencies and laws whom the Honolulu Prosecutor’s office would fully partner with and support.

2) Do you believe john laws are strong enough in Hawaii?

The question raises issues about penalties as distinguished from enforcement and prosecution. The Legislature and Governor Have the final say on the former. As prosecutor I would enforce the statute as written.

http://www.civilbeat.com/topics/darwin-ching/

FRANKLIN “DON” PACARRO’S RESPONSE:

1) Do you believe the current law is adequate to address human trafficking on Oahu?

Human trafficking across state lines is a federal offense that is handled by the U.S. Attorney; we cooperate with and assist the U.S. Attorney’s Office in their quest to end exploitation of men and women. Although the Prosecutor’s Office does not handle those cases specifically labeled “Human Trafficking,” we do prosecute similar crimes involving forced prostitution under the laws we currently have. However, if a law is deficient, or new legislation is needed, to ensure that young people are not forced into prostitution, we will encourage change.

2) Do you believe john laws are strong enough in Hawaii?

Prostitutes and their customers (“johns”) are prosecuted and punished equally. If we increase the penalty for those who solicit prostitutes, we may be required to increase the penalty for prostitutes. As stated above, if new legislation is needed, we will be open to review.

http://www.civilbeat.com/topics/franklin-don-pacarro-jr/
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VOTE EARLY! LOCATIONS ANNOUNCED: http://www.honoluluelections.org/locations

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Pacific Alliance to Stop Slavery
www.traffickjamming.org
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