COM 0184.032 1996-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

In 1996, referrals included: 18,770 Cases (charges referred to the office, fiscal 95-96) 13,663Misdemeanors (claendar year 1996) There were 36 grand jury sesions and a number of investigative grand juries. I expect that the level of jury and non-jury trials will continue to rise. The community's efforts to address the crime problem and the legislature's efforts at sentencing initiatives will encourage more defendants to go to trial. We have prepared for this additional workload by organizing an efficient information and document processing system, developed a screening unit, and devoted more efforts at in-house and state-wide training and sought other funding sources for both personnel and training. Community efforts to strengthen our communities have benefitted greatly by the efforts of the Hawaii County Police Department's Community Policing Program. The Downtown Improvement Association, Kona Crime Prevention Committee and other crime prevention groups have made vast improvements in their communities. There are still many challenges to address. The attached listing of Safety Action groups is only a sample of what is happening in our communities.8 The issue of drug use, including alcohol, continues to be a problem. Community attitudes toward drug use can be seen in those most influenced by attitudes -our children. Drug use among our student population continues to rise.9 Self-reporting by defendants shows a 80-90% usage rate of those committing crimes. While studies have debated whether drug use causes crimes, it clearly acts as a multiplier. As long as drug use is tolerated in our community, we can expect that the crimes committed will be more severe and numerous. As you review our budget, I ask that you consider our budget as a policy statement: that prosecution and public safety are core functions of the County of Hawaii; that an effective Prosecutor's Office is part of providing for the safety of our community; that the necessary resources will be provided to those who go face to face with murderers, robbers, rapists and give support to victims of their crimes; and that the laws establishing our community's norms and hold people accountable for their actions will be fairly and effectively enforced. "This office is committed to working with you to re-build a safer and stronger Big Island.