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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0140.004 2000-2002 JAY T. KIMURA ~ r ~ ~ R,repW gyyE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY HILO IIAWNI YlTN PN iE1-01!! CHARLENE Y. IBOBHI FAX oelacm FIRST DEPUTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY ~ WEST HAWNI UNIT ~ ~ • PO BOX]M i. _ i KUA HAWNI GQ)SO OFFICE OF THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY . ~ FAX ~-0561 ( I' 3-.2~-01 ~ ~ ~ `~le~v Q.~. ~ ~ - 3 3g~ ~diolc~uar i~,e.. I/A-Cf~ i~u~~L~ ~r - Ca~ vt?-c~ ~ ~ ~ cue w~,c ~ ~ ~ . ~ T ,G~r ~ Comm. Na Ptile No. Ref• To: Ref. Date MAR ~ 'Mm March 19, 2001 Mayor Harry Kim and Members of the (;ounly Council My name is ti1•IC and I am a grandmother. 1 got involved with Violence Agunst Children when mY two granddaughters were sexually abuacd by their father which resulted in the younger grandchild hawng a baby 'through the Child PrcKective Services, we took our granddaughters mto our home llm7ng the years they lived wrth us, VACA was in contact with us and kept us infoctned on the progr~ti of the case 1 annot imagine what we would have done without VACA With the help, support and concern of VACA the sex offcndcx was prosecuted Justice was served Without VA('A, the Sex offnndnr would still be frce and able to commit further olCenses VACA have helped us tremendously and the contimlity of VACA is vital to the community i am therefnro, asking to PLEASE pcrmanrntly fund three of the four VACA positions deputy prosecutor, imastigator, end secretary Thank you very much for your kind attrntion to this matter We Icxik forward for your support sir~r~ly, 1855 South Hale O Kea Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 March 21, 2001 MAYOR HARRY KIM and MEMBERS OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL My name is Lorna Ita, and I am currently employed at the Prosecutor's Office as a Legal Clerk in the Career Criminal Unit. I was, however, initially hired by this office as the Secretary for the Violence Against Children Act Unit (VACA Unit). I have worked as the Secretary for 1 % years. I was very honored to have worked for this specialized team as it mainly focuses on prosecuting perpetrators who preys on innocent children and holding offenders accountable for their immoral criminal acts. Prior to my employment under the VACA Umt, I was totally naive as to the serious degree of violence and abuse that young, innocent and helpless victims endure at the hands of their perpetrators Through the course of my employ as Secretary, I came across cases of abuse that were incomprehensible beyond belief. One particular case that vividly stands out in my mind is one where BOTH parents were fiilfillrng their vile sexual pleasures on therr own daughter! The daughter is forever stripped of her own innocence and deprived of her childhood. The two most important people she could count on for protection violated her in the most heinous and unthinkable way. I was dumbfounded and literally sick in my stomach when I came across this case I could not come to grip that abuse such as this was reality and happening rn our own community. This type of abuse bewrlders me, not only as a concerned citizen but also as a mother of three young boys. Children look to their parents for love, support, guidance and as protectors from harm's way The above case is only one of many. I am saddened that these types of abuse are probably occurring as I am writing this letter to you. MAYOR HARRY KIM and MEMBERS OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL March 21, 2001 Page Two Sex abuse and neglect among chuldren is a very sensrtrve issue -sometimes known as "secret crimes". The children are frail victims and they need to know that there is help out there for them - an outreach team of professionals that will be a voice for them. The VACA Unit is an "essential" umt at the Prosecutor's Office as the team provides special attention to child victims and vrctrm-sensitive issues. It is vital that this unit be intact for prosecutorial consistency. With appropriate funding by the County, the VACA Unit could become more established and exhibit public awareness by coordinating with other interagency organizations to educate the public that sex abuse and neglect among children rs not only an isolated problem but a community problem. The VACA Unit could be a useful tool m laying the foundation to better serve the young victims of abuse By working with other agencies, the VACA Unit could help reach young victims by developing an outreach team in the various rural areas of the Big Island. With more public awareness, hopefully, the targeted young victims will feel more at ease about coming forward with their "secret". With hard work and perseverance, we, as a community can accomplish what may seem now to befar-fetched. I hope that with more exposure and given the chance, the VACA Unit could follow the steps of the Domestic Violence Unit currently progressing rn the Prosecutor's Office. Mayor Kim and Cadres and Gentlemen of the County Council, I humbly ask for your gracious consideration to fund the VACA Unit at the Prosecutor's Office and be a member of socrety to deter violence against our children of tomorrow Please help to preserve the innocence and dignity of young victims. We need to take a stand together to let perpetrators know that socrety will NOT tolerate therr repulsive behavior As you ponder on your decision, please take a moment to think of your own children and/or grandchildren. How fortunate they are that they Have parents and/or grandparents who loves them and cares for them. Then think of the less fortunate children that have to live with the shame, the self-eating burden, the fear and the suffering as a result of an mconcervable abuse. Please help the children and be a voice for them. Thank you for your consideration and for taking the time to read my plea. Srncer~y, f/ U"' Loin C.Ita MAR-22-01 13.20 FROM•PUBLIC DEFENDER ID•1B0B9749574 PAGE 2/3 OFFICE OF THE PUBLJC DEFENDER sraTE of ?iawa•( 275 Ponehawal 6lrest, Sulb~ 201 Hilo, H~wi i 96720 Tdrphone: (808)9744571 Fmc: (808744574 March 22, 2001 Mayor Harry 1Cim and Members o! the County Council County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, HI 96720 Re: v+~lenc AaalrRr Qiildrea IDoit Dear Mayor 1Cim and Council Members: I have been asked by the Hawaii County Prosecutor's Oftice to submit input regarding its request for county funding of its violence Against c~.ildrea (VACA) unit. I am the supervising deputy public defender for this island. On the Big Island, we have twelve deputy public defenders. AS deputy public defenders, we represent indigent clients charged with criminal offenses. Obviously, a number of these clients have been charged with offenses against children. I do not believe our input regarding the VACA unit is inconsistent arith our commitment to our clients or the preservation of the rights o! the accused. For example, under our laws, there are a dumber of alternatives in the ultimate disposition of a criminal case. In the area of offenses against children, one such alternative is the expedited sentencing program, S<2S $707-606.3. The expedited sentencing program seeks to encourage speedy disposition of intra- family sexual assault cases by early intervention and treatment of the offender, the complainant minor, and the family. In these cases, the participation of a seasoned and focused deputy prosecuting attorney is essential for the effective application of the law. Moreover, I do not think you have to be on the side of the defense or on the side of the prosecution to realize that the allegations made by children leading to criminal prosecution must be treated in a sensitive and sensible manner. MAR-22--01 13.20 FROM.PUBLIC DEFENDER ID.1~0~9744574 PAGE 3/3 Mayor Harry Rim and Council Members March 22, 2001 Page 2 zt is critical that a deputy prosecuting attorney dispassionately analyze the veracity of a complaint brought by a child--and should a decision to prosecute be mafle, it is equally important to determine the best course of action is the case, e_g., to proceed to trial or enter into plea negotiations to resolve the case short of trial. In this way, effective prosecution mould ensure the rights of the accused and further the interests of the comnm*+~ty. The VACA unit, with its sole focus in this area, would provide that sensitivity and sensibility. S//ix~rel Michael M_ ma Supervising De ty Public Defender D~lYlB _ me FRDM Transition Network Inc. FAX N0. 935 0070 Mar. 22 2001 09:37RM P2 ~t(on N~r,Do~f ~ Rear Honorable Harry Kim and Members of the Coum}r Council• We are sex offender treatment therapists currently with Transition Networl~ Inc. We provide these services for Aduh Probation in East and West Hawaii and for the Department of Public Safety in the prison system and in the community We also provide penile plethystnograph and risk assessments for offenders We have been providing these services on the Big Leland for the past eleven years We have consulted with the Prosecutor's Offico directly and through the Child Advocacy Center on specific child sex abuse cases a~ have been actively involved with the VACA Unit since its inception. There has been a marked improvement in the efficiency of how these cases are resolved since that time The Unit handles these cases in a sensitive manner that helps the victinns and their families begin the healing process. They gave increased the coordinstion between the agencies involved, which has allowed for more informed rosolutions and deeisrons. Thie has resulted in a safer community for us all From our e~eriettce in working in other cornmututtes, it is obvious that the VACA Unit has contributed to o~'ettdets being held more accourtable and receiving treamment in the most appropriate setting based on their risk and amenability to treetmem. By holding them accormtable and having the backup of this Uttit, we have found an increase in offenders' willengneea to engage in the therapeutic proxss. We feel that the totttitnuttion of the VACA Unit is essential in protecting and sensitively working with victims for the optimal outcome This has been a model program that has demonstrated its effectiveness and definitely should be continued in the interest of public safely. We are in full support ofthis most essential service being funded on a pettnanerK basis by the County. Thank you m advance for your support. sincerely, 4~ ~ ~e~ Q.~ Jena L Hill, LSW QCSW Roxy A. Miw, LSW, QCSW Program Director / Thetaptst Therapist JI.H/ram P.O. BOX 10068 HILO, HAWAII %T21 PHONE (808) %&7431 . ~M l l March 20, 2001 Honorable members of Hawaii County Council, Thb fetter is is support of the VACA divLion withfa the Hawaii County Psnsecators offlee. I ergs the Ceuaeil to support rnntinued lhndia; of the unit. in Affil of 2000, two young family members wero subjected to a violent end senseless act inflicted upon them by my bmther who was entrusted with their taro. For many months we suffered needleuly trying to get cooperation from the forces that be, to have my brother locked up. It was sot tattil Detective Mediems of the Hswdi Cottttty police departmestt and members of the VACA twit became involved, that we were finally able to move forward. With their help, we were abk to get the sddltionai support the children needed to deal with the tratiatm imposed on there. 'Ibey helped set trp appointrxats with the Children's Advooaoy Deafer sad s child psychologist who helped both children tresrtatdously. One of the children involved was of psutieular cancan for us, as he has a disability that requires speci8o handling to deal with Etta of rage and anger when he gets 8ruatraoed because he is unable tb convey feelings a messages lile'4wrmsl" children. The attack set his treatment beak yeah and severely affected his schooling. Wltltout the help of the VACA uait, as wall ss many others, we would have beta lost. Not asdy were we dealing with the mortal, payohologioal sad Psychical effects of the children, but the fivstratioa of the legal entanglemntta tryiag to bring this case to court aad talcs my brother off the steeet for the safety of all involved. Ora geeatest fear was, having to place the children !n court to face their attacker. With the help of the VACA unit, they walked the children through the contltsirtg and tHghtening steps of being is court. They made every effort to make the children feet comfortable, safe, and quell their fears about being in court. The VACA trait became intimately involved with this case, and it was due diligence on their part, that flttally ended in a conviction lest month. It is impenttive that VACA services be supported, particularly in a County that has the highest rate of child abuse in the State. The trait was our family's saving grace, and made all the differonce in two children's lives. h would bs a gnat loss to other families in similar situations to deny such service. Sincerely, JL O. y+' R ~ Third Circuit Court -Adult Probation Divigl n - THE JUDICIAFfY .STATE OF HAWAPI 1046-A U HI . H AIM 98720201 . TEC1;PFbt~ (808) BB1.7BD0 . (808) 881-7E78 Zachary Hige PROBATION ADMINISTRATOR Mazch I5, 2001 The Hawaii County Council County of Hawaii 25 Aupum Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Dear Hawaii County Council. The criminal Justice system needs your support to fund a permanent deputy prosecutor, investigator, and secretary as part of the "VACA" unit, short for Violence Against Children Act For the last four years, this umt has been funded by a federal grant in response to special prosecution needs relate to child sexual assault and abuse The grant will end in July and we hope with your support the umt can continue with their mission The unit has demonstrated their strong commitment to prosecuting sex offenders and child abusers thereby promoting a safer community for all of us The unit is part of a system of children's services within the cruninal Justice system Being a member of the Children's Advocacy Center's Advisory Committee that addresses issues on this azea, the unit has contnbuted much to the success of prosecuting offenders Mr Lincoln Asluda, who is now your Corporation Counsel is well known for his work through this unit On March 9, 2001 at the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) of H11o's Tenth Anniversary celebration it was noted that the Big Island has the highest successful prosecution rate in the state related to child victim cases The VACA unit has played a maJor part m this success Again, please make the VACA unit a permanent part of the Prosecutor's Office Very truly yours, - Zach Higa Probati n Administrator March 19, 2001 173 Kaieie Rd. Papatkou, HI 96781 Honorable Harry I{~m Members of the County Council County of Hawazi RE. VACA Dear Mayor and County Council Members: It is with a great deal of interest that I pen this letter in support of funding for the VACA posRions with the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney. I have been practicing law for almost 26 years and in this time I have had the occasion to deal with all types of cases and all types of defendants. By faz the most difficult cases for an attorney to deal with are sex assault cases and cases where children are v~cUms. Children without a voice and without a choice m the actions that are perpetrated against them. When these two types of crimes come together they represent the most heart rending and soaowful aspect of the practice of law. Often Umes hours and months of preparation are required to bring a case to court let alone to trial. The amount of time required for these cases is best handled by an attorney specially trained in these drfficult cases with a staff trained to assist minor victims to overcome the natural reluctance to communicate these heinous acts. We are fortunate that our Prosecuting Attorney had the foresight to see this need and institute a demonstration program to serve our minor victims of violent crime The time has come to recogmze that this need still exists m our community and to permanently fund these positions. The benefit to our community and to the peace and well being of our children cannot be measured. Funding these positions permits the remainder of the Prosecution Team to focus on other aspects of crirmnal prosecution resting with the knowledge that our children are not forgotten. Yours truly, i lit.~c~f,~~~~. Michael J. Udovic FROM HI COUNTY SRhF PROGRRM FHX N0. :808 %1-8843 Mar. 28 2001 01:SGPI9 P2 C~ITl®iA~L dilL~'VB~JIR~ J~JIf, 3LA.JVGB :s'we sc ~a w march 20, zart osar Maya Barry Iam and Niwnbss d the cou,h, ColsieY: !~s a realdarrf. Nuue, arw Sataol Aesar~t Nus 6atnlnar (SAN.E) d Hanoi caner, I ~+fN auppoR arrd sdoraa fit atfoe dt,. PrwsaaMro AtbrtMY• nquset 1'ar pwtlkrn psrrrrrcy of fw Vfd.oApdnt t7idran (VACA) l1Mt I trove bean a haw fa mwe fun Uwobr y..read atted for oasiAeea rearrbera d eliidian wifr a neiNals d merisl and ptr~rakal twaM P~~ Most ~Yy. rt+Y nrlr~e alts has bean rardwad to chfdtan InM11sd by ssoawl rrrftaatrrrrt and e~biFalbrt My role as a SANE (a Faansk Madill E~rnnYuQ has bagR ma b oofaborale claody with merrrbsrs d fiasaY Courit/s VACA UnR 7tte aparlaYned and tioarwd rra~adplrury eervioee parWsd by 1be VACA llriPs poleallorai~atdanuyvaMrblaforthenedplaRotr~arr. K Is ~a b hale trot h ar efiat b mooarixa and aooorrnndsle ar aperial needs poptaslion such s the pfyrcaty and rtwr6sfy duiarrrd people, wa must mrrrsrrrbsr b krJUds those ehlkYen who have sudHarly and unerrpar.~y sequirad spedel needs by roerrK d nulbaatfrrtt and o~bYafon. Mlheallunrlhdthaae6nrle.Frgoaeduponfun+.fwsctid,enwihave~rtbapnb ahaidar a ffafrrre 6uidsrr. Orr laapara~faa aw b anew frt artarled d>i>dren wN tow paiYw aaoonus h llalr' adilfrood by paridtip (Man fr attsq fr bast rte~isy ors ava1ta61a. 1 wlpletwabdly led fet fhs servbes allwed ~ fu proheiaW rRdt d fie VACA llrt addnw the dynarrint needs d thee Cildurr. 11ry are able b provide arrkMR arrrpeerrt. and caftpaeefa~esenriees. VVlfratfrVACAIhrRsapem~eruntentAr,swfoasiorourdrNdlenwill urdoRtafsAely ba dfulad and aubaladod. BouroourrlysVACA thtitcat make a poiive knpaRthatta~ artacteaarfees Yves, wowll huvenut our pertorel ad prainebrui re~orri~tlss I rapadlrtiy oak tut you eotrida psmiaaett anaay firrdirro Oa the VACA Lkifs rraralldiscprrry poeflorrs. R k tniy a neo.siiq~ for ?iM.Y CanltTs children's present and fuWre walhusa SirKerdy, Cdheine L Stevens RN, SANE OJ/20/01 14 21 FAI 9812JT2 HILO VICE f~02 March 20, 2001 Honorable Harry Kim Mayor County of Hawaii County Council County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Dear Mayor Him and Council Members: I am writing in support of the Violence Against Children Act (VACA) team at the Prosecutor's Office. i worked personally with each member of this team over a lour year pesiod while investigatioq sexual assault cases involving children. I was disappointed to leazn recently that this group may soon be disbanded. They have proven to be invaluable in their coordinated approach to victims tramautized by others, in many cases people in whom the victims had so willingly and naturally given their trust. One cae• ¦tands out in my mind most. Without disclosing any details which may compromise the confidentiality of the ~ vietiet'e identity, I will shaze with you how the VACA team ~ affected the victim's mental well-being and prosecution of the offender. One day I wa• assigned to meet with a victim who had bean eeuually assaulted as a child, and was nos an adult. The victim gave a few details of the assault with thm idea that the statement alone would be sufficient to get the suspect off the street and prevent him from hurting other children in the community. When the victim learned that more steps would need to be taken, my calls did not get returned. The Deputy Prosecutor and Victim Counselor readily agreed to help me get the victim to a point where the lnvaetigation could proceed without adding to the trauma already experienced. To make a long story short, due to the efforts of the VACA unit, the investigation was completed and the suspect ~ indicted and incarcerated. 1 The VACA team playa a vital role in Hawaii County's battle to protect our children from sexual predators in our cosslunity. Thank you for your time. Since el Ra~1~~ roe G/' ~ 03/21/2001 19:36 8089616852 SANDAPICKARD PAGE 02 >~~al mow, P O Box 11021 Hilo, Ftawali 96721 (806) 981~8A6 Fa (a08)1~1a8S2 II~Yrrdt 21, 2001 To• Mayor IOm and Menbsrs d the Hawai CarMy (?anti Re• Psrmafat Fundnp for VbNnaa apelrar Children Poekbrr at the qPA Der Mayor Kim and Coundl Members, PMas uoas baud tle oorfrUad ardalsro d ri 1/ACA lJnt d tr OPrs dMr ProaarseYp Aeortry I am a icansd ckrcri social waakerwah a prh~da pradi®h Ftliq wtrare I tiara Iliad tbr?O IA/R Duke the peat 11 yeas, l bare aparJabad n ewrryaliiwr Mfo n Mollrrs dsagal abrae. Duk+pthitima~ 1 IrM hid mart' appark.ailas b raaraat wtri the rrritrt?asslaarne oaneslore, the dapub PraaoulYy aaorrays aid irunaripabrs awbwdb chid sax abase asst My Job rs m hsb dtildren, aril tllsir hrtriies. b heal from the sfficAs d aa~aal abane, and Uas rK•Mrdae a oattmibnat b doktp r !nt 1 can b prMrk any itltltar hang TypiraAy, a did wfq dacban waral above is lust bepkrirp a lup and dilk+at, ewn potA1 and ~>0 procasr Fr or the met' De rerrored tbrrrr era tlrtiy home and plaosd h foelar aiabody. Famiy IMe and teldorMfVpa era mat otban danlPbd h rtNtry other ways, for whldi tFN oiid uaaraiy issla Ou*Y and raaparMEtt. VNterr tFr duds teas avers the orinw>>i Jarboe MWn, hs or stw k aepeelad b kaMyy beiaa tl» Qard jury, and hoe hls ar Fur aYaped sbuaar n fits oourkoorn wAtan IFnre M a A+Y kral R tin Was yeah bafa,t the ow pots b aa+R duYrQ whkh vivre the did, and hrnb, mutt fhra in a Idnd d Yrtbo. Ctildren po thtdrl/? nway a denraloQrnsnpN charges in the tlrst 16 yearn d tlnk free. k k rtry aphion thrt vie brio ordeal art aabatapa rromrl miaabrra d dnaloprnra, aud? as auooaa h sdrool and sociri suooess wiw aU+er ctritd+en ThM k part d what nralws did sax abuse cease dfiark b prosaaM, and why members dlha VACA Teen perform a aallque and aaaerid service Mrnbers d the VACA bam wli often ask for my apirron as b Oe abWy d the did b witratarrd the rgora d fie aArtmal JuMloe proows. I brow that bay wit take my hrpreaarors and reoararrrdMlats rao ooruidaraion awry step d the way 1 bare had nanroua oppataliYas b vrl4wa d1e aldiad and ssrrsitlvs work d •nea araoaplbnal hdvlduaN, as thry polaiy eduoale, oorMort and auppart he did and family 1 sm proud Thal our oortxraadly has what is oornidred a rtadel •lraMn far the euo0pdrrl prweartlon d virtrae d abaM aptltat drldtarr, the envy d marry muds taper cornna+fess. 1 hope that you vn7 Pre 1~ M auppoR b pertnansnt futdirg far ON VACA Ural ThaaCC you for y~our~ . Sandi Plclaa?d 03/21/2001 13:46 8089612073 CHILD AND FAMILY SVC PAGE 02 I Cruld - S~ I~ IN4 nI ssrso 8 E A I C E !0! 93S21M F•fc lv! %430A March 20, 2001 Eaa1 d DOa1af~ A~holy F. Gvrmo CHAIR AImnT xuwk• Mayor Harry Kim FIILST VICECHAI0. Members Of the Hawaii County Coundl 25 Aupuni Street c~ rta6noon arcoNDVrceclwa Hllo, Hewel196720 1a°A°"`~ Dear Mayor Ism and Members of the Councll• secaeunv r•.~+i•senwy The East Hawaii office of Child and Family SeMCA is proud to pro Ida this "`~11eA letter of support to continue the funding for the Vldsnoe Against C ildren Gal ldnuuo. AN u5 "VACA" Unit Of the Hawaii County Prosecutor's Office. PDFSmENi AND cEo c,~Ans~ One of our particular programs, the Ssx Abuse Treatment Service ~ Program, has been providing services to children who are victims intra- snre~ familiar sex abuse In East Hawaii since 1989 This program also ovides w~ treatment for the non-offending family member as well as providl F ~ ~ therapy for the offender. The Impact this unit has had on our die and seepLen bw,w.• the services we provide for them has been invaluable. The unit's t am "'k'" "'010 concept bangs together the community agencies that provide the '~"dio1i`"`F•`'` there eutic le al, educational and p „tl,.,.o,,,,,~ p g protective services that im act n the ~ u ~:nay family's needs Ao/n Fa~dv ~""Wido Our community is very fortunate to have a specialized unit of prof sionals cynd~r wbepr 6sp<,cn KYaWd. to assist our Children who are in need Of a sensitive approach to th °Mn"Ziider trauma of sexual abuse It would be a great loss to the children a their families to Iose this critically important VACA unit. Providing then dad ACCREDRATION funding for the VACA unit Is essential to our community Cavil m AmdY~lbn d3a~,~ ~ Thank you for taking the time to review this letter of support Sincerely, AFFDJA710N5 /J~ W~ue dMVlu A~•~~•b Gary Race, MS ,,,,,,•u•, Program Administrator ~v H.,,.n IWa uNnd wry ww uN~e w... wwI un~eed wry ~ 1 ! 3-2t-O1 t 4tPM CPS .9553~C5 i 2/ 2 Family and Adult Services Division 75 Aupuni St., Room 112 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Telephone: (808) 965-3709 March 21, 2001 Mayor Harry Kim Members of the County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 RE: VACA FUNDING Dear Mayor and Council Members: My name is John Ashton. I am a social worker with Child Protective Services (CPS) in Hilo, and moat recently in Pahoa. I have been working at CPS for ten years in my current capacity. During the past four years I have worked directly and/or indirectly with the VACA employees. I have found them to be very effective in working with our many child victims. The VACA employees have been responsive to our children's needs. They are very skilled at working with our children and their familys in the least invasive manner, always demonstrating a concern for minimum traumatization. With County Council funding, the VACA unit will continue to protect our children and hold offenders of children accountable. Please support the VACA unit as a permanent unit. Si cerely, HJft. C~~C.~.1n, John Ashton, Social Worker Friends of the Children's Advocacy Center of East Hawaii 1290 Kinoole Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 (808)935-8755 March 21, 2001 Mayor Harry IC~m County of Hawair 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Chauman Jimmy Arakaki & Members of the County Council County of Hawau 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawau 96720 Dear Mayor and Council Members Subject: Tatimoev u Sunoort of Coantr Fra~t for the "Vidmce A:,irst Ckrdrea Ueit"u tre OfBee of tre Praeentiot Attoraev I am writing you today on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Children's Advocacy Center of East Hawaii ("Friends', which is a private nonprofit organiuUOn in partnership wath the Children's Advocacy Center of East Hawaii The Friends formed m 1990 to support the implementation of the Child Advocacy Program in East Hawau and to help address the needs of abused children in our community in various ways As advocates and supporters of the many improvemer?ts made in our system' a response to child abuse cases over the last ten years, we are writing in support of County funding for the `~olence Against Children Unit" in the 06ce of the Prosecuting Attorney We strongly believe that the nature of this work with child victims, and the potential impact on these children, calls for the wMinuahon of this unit's specialized efforts Thank you for allowing me thrs opportunity to testify on behalf of this needed service For our board, I thank you for your support Smc ely your Rrchard Henderson II Director -Legislative Committee Chair cc Board of Directors • { ~ ~ 4t • ete ~ Office of the Administrative Director -Children's Advocacy Centers of Hawaii * THE JUDICIARY • STATE Of HAWAII • 3019 PALI HIGHWAY • HONOLULU, HAWAII 96817-1418 TELEPHONE (808}86-0822 FAX (808) 595-6978 r~.~.I Midi~d erodarick Judy Lind ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR DIRECTOR Clyde W. Namu'o DEPUTY ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR March 22, 2001 Mayor Harry Kim County of Hawaii 25 Aupunl Street Hilo, Hawali 98720 Chairman Jimmy Arakaki 8 Members of the County Council County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawali 98720 Dear Mayor and County Members. Subject: Testimony in Suooort of Counri Funding for the "Violence Against Chltdren Unit" In the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney As the Hawaii County Program Director for the Children's Advocacy Center, it is my job to coordinate the civil and criminal systems' responses to child sexual abuse. I have been with the program since it was implemented on the Blg Island in 1989 Over the years, I have worked closely wrth law enforcement, child protection services, prosecutors, and treatment providers It has become very clear to me that If child victims are to have access to our justice system, we must have specialized professionals handling these cases. There has been much interagency collaboration and support of our efforts to provide training which allows the venous responding professionals to do this work competently I hope that you well support the efforts of your Prosecutor to maintain high standards in this area by funding the continuance of the Violence against Children Unit EAST HAWAII CENTER WEST HAWAI'1 CENTER MAUI CENTER KAUA'1 CENTER 1290 Keno ole Street 77L403 Nalan~ Slrcet 1773-A WiM Pa Loop 4473 Pahe a St Suite M Hilo HI %720 KailualCOna, HI %740 Waduku, HI %793 lihu e, HI %766 Fa°~~~!_933-0965 Fa:caoa~i- 327-4985 E"~`~~~'243-8684 ca~ieoe~a13s93~ 933-0968 327-4968 243-8688 Page 2 Testimony m Support of County Funding for the "Violence Against Children Unit" in the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney I thank you for your support and this opportunely to provide testimony Sincerely, ananne B Okamura MSW, LSW Hawaii County Program Director MBO joh MAR-21-01 08:13 PM JTOTTEN OHANA, NEW. HOPE. B08 934 9311 P. 02 ~R~~ ~~~tf~ ~w rtt nul waev March 21, 2001 To Mayor Kim and Mernbcrs ol'the I lawaii County Council Re: PenltAncot lh'unditlg fur Violence Against Children Positions at the OPA Dear A1ayor Krm and Council Mentbcrs, 1 urge yar to support tFte vote to fund the cortunucd existence of the Violence Against Children Unn ol'thc Uflice of the Pr usecuhng Attorney A. a Itcertsed clinical social woti~er to private practice in Hilo working primarily with eluldren and lamilies who h;rve experienced violence, and as one of the Corettsrc consultants with the Children's Advocacy Center in L•a~t Hawaii, I know first hand how vital tt rs to continue llua valuable profit ant 1 have had numerous opportunities to interact with the members of the VACA ream, and bclitwc that without the exceptional ability, and availability, ofthesc individuals to provide tltr needed support for children and family members that are involved in the criminal justice systen~ many care would not uthetwrse proceed successfully 1 am personally and professional pleased that our coordinated system in Fast llawaii for the irnesligatioit and support of child victims procixding through the criminal justice system, and the rate of successful prosecution of crones against children is recognized and routed in many other coinnturiiues nationally I hope you will assure that rcplitation will be strengthen and maintained by your full support fur pcrinanerit funding for the VACA Unit Mahalo for your consideration, S one Totten, S March 21, 21101 Honorable A4ayor Hatry Kirt: Haitian County 21 Aupunt Street Hrln, Haw•an n2dr Mdvor Kltn, 1 am a detecu~e asstgnad to the Hawait County Police Nest Ha:~'au Dotnesne Vtolenee Untt It has been brought to my attention that to July of 2001, the funding for the Vtuleltce Ag,tinyt (.'lnldren's lJtttt of the Ctwnty Pruscctttor's Offiac wtll tsrminate Ian, hoping that ~ ou and the members of the Hawatt Count} Counctl will peanancntly fund • the VACA pnsitio:ts, ~eltich Include Deputy Yrosectttot, Ittvesugator, Vtctitn 1Yitness Counselor and Secretary. The continuanoa of these posttions will support nt} etfecrt~•eness as a pollee detecirve. 1 w ortld continue to have the resources of a prosecutor spcctlically assigned to Chtld Sexual Abuse and Yhysrcal Abuse cases available to ttte for consultar~on attd continuity cf vertr~al prosuuhon. Chief Sttnng Bull saru, 'Let t:s put our minds togeaher and see what life tit•e can make for our childre•t «'e are the "change agents" It is incumLenl upon us to protect the t?ny voices zrc n~rt fature Please suppurt the funtirng of t?te posnia:ts thar sre currently to qu~~tion Sm~erely, /K >~~'G c~~-----~ le ander ray°za MaR-2!-Cl WED 12'?3 F11 ~ 2 March 21, 2001 THE HONORABLE MAYOR HARRY KIM MEMBERS OF THE HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL 2I Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii Dear Mayor Kim and Members of the County Council, My name is Samuel H. KANAMOTO, Jr. I am a police detective assigned to the Sex Crimes Unit of the Hawaii County Police Department, Kona District. I have been with this unit since July 1998. It has been brought to my attention that the grant funding for the Violence Against Children ^VACA" unit of the Prosecutor's Office will end July 2001. I em hoping that you and the members of our County Council will permanently fund these positions; Deputy Prosecutor, Investigator and Secretary. They are an asset to myself and other members of our unit. They are available for immediate consultation on cases involving victims and/or offenders of Child Sexual Abuse. They have also assisted in organizing specialized training in the area of Child Sexual and Physical abuse. In conclusion our children need a peaceful home, caring adults, healthy self-esteem, joy, laughter, kindness, and hope for a bright and beautiful tomorrow. I ask for your support in permanently funding their positions. Sincerely ~-aYnue ~H~~WPMOTO, Jr. MAF.-21-01 WFD 11'01 AM p 1 I March 21, 2001 , THE HONORABLE MAYOR HARRY KIM HAWAII COUNTY 21 Aupuni St. Hilo, Hawaii Dear Mayor Kim, I am a police detective assigned to the Sex Crimes Unit of the Hawaii County Police Department in Kailua-Kona. It has been brought to my attention that in July 2001 the Federal grant funding for the Violence Against Children's Unit of the Prosecutors Office will end. I am hoping that you and the members of our County Council will permanently fund the vACA positions, which include: Deputy Prosecutor, Investigator, Victim Witness Counselor and Secretary. Having these positions in place will continue to make my job as a police detective easier. I would continue to have the resources of a prosecutor specifically assigned to Child Sexual Abuse and Physical Abuse cases available to me !or consultation and decision making. I would also be able to better direct parents of these victims to the Victim Witness Counselor in an effort to make the process less traumatic for our child victims. I did want to mention that I became a member of the Sex Crimes Unit 1n January of 2000, however from 1989 through 1997 I did work in the Juvenile Aid Section in Kona and at that time we did not have the benefits of a VACA unit. In my opinion tremendous progress has been made in the area of investigation and prosecution oP reports involving Child Sexual and Physical Abuse The future of Hawaii County is our children. Please help us to continue protecting the future of Hawaii County by funding the positions that are currently under Federal funding. Sincerely °:D9~iri~ ~lf~ p5 ran r MAF-20-0! TUE 8 2C AH Hi~o C!D GAX H0, 9n9 9E1 237E P, 2 March 19, 2001 Mayor Harry Kim and Members of the County Council County of Hawaii Dear Mayor Kim and Members of the County Council: I am writing to you in support of the Violence Against Children "VACA' unit of the Prosecutor's Office. I strongly urge you to fund the positions being requested by the Prosecuting Attorney's Office to maintain this specially trained unit that works with child victims in a consistent and sensitive manner. I supervise the detectives who investigate these types of cases and work very closely with the VACA unit personnel. Child victim eases are very difficult to investigate and prosecute due to the circumstances and issues that are involved. This is why an interagency response such as that provided by the VACA unit is so important, to make certain that each case is handled in a victim- sensitive manner to assist each child victim through the criminal 7uatice system with a minimum o! further trauma. In the two (2) years that I've been in this position, I have observed how the members of this unit attempt to both proceed with the criminal prosecution of the offender and coordinate all of the efforts in the beet interest o£ the child. It is distressing Co read the reports of a child who has already endured physical or sexual abuse, and then to think that the child's case would not be handled by a specially trained unit such ae VACA would only be a further travesty for this small, innocent victim. The County of Hawaii cannot afford anything but the best !or it's keiki. Again, i strongly urge you to permanently fund the positions for a VACA unit, a unit that will continue to have a positive impact on our community and it's members. Sincerely, s..-~ ~ L ~ryaTlber Lieutenant/JAS 03/22/2001 15:17 974-6864 HPOC PAGE 01/01 Susan Nrltbery,RMrbSM,SAME 2405 Raloiaaole Arenre tk307 Nile, Nawli !6720 (!Oi) !!!-I!S! balokabakai~awol coat Much 22, 2001 Honorable MayorNarry Klw MewMrs d the Hawif Ceuety Coancll Illlo, Narali By faalmile to 934.3403/Roxanne laweock Dear Mayor IGr and Couedl mer¦ben; I am a Sexnal Assauk Nrtsa Exarluer (SANE) rider contract to Narall Ceurty and a rember d the Board d Dlredsn of tYe Big Island Coalkior Against irYyslcal and Senrrl Aspuit (bIU1PSA). I rm writing to urge yon to abocate perrareut finding for !hire pesNkns iv tlu lMllce of tie Prosecrtlp Attorney; those d Deputy Presecrto?, IrrasHgatsr and Sevetary d the Ylolera Against Children (YACA) Urk. The team waupt d sexral await fewstigatlon and prosecrtiw ras amhrased by flaraii Counq fn 1!!5 tbroegh Inupllea and tnining !n fire Sexral Aseaoh Respra Team (SAbT)/SAME approach. From tlrrrt time toward, I and otMr SAME, contlaw to be ea call en a 24 Yon-a•day basis to peMorm forensls es•rlnation and aridena cdledlon Ir nil eexgl assarks reported to the pdice and assigned for Inre.tl9atlon. Orr ugerierce has shown M clMrly tYat: (1) TM team approach, ladudlrg SAME, delectire, adroub and prwecrter - all speclaDy ud exten+irdy irabd in srecassfully YmrdMp these crimes - has resrlled in ar astroaowlul increase b successfrl plea bargains wltY the perpdrators. TYis has greatly redreed tM brNee on fhe tear! oyster, on the profeselors larohed and on the erotbnal taH d eM savhers and their cored ones. (2) More than 2/3 d orr sexual assaek uses kt tbb cornq an against children. Unlike tYe aduk srrvlrer d sexual assault, the child srrriver has, In alwost all axes, beer auarltad by M ndrk rho Is ¦ relahre and/or a member of that cYlld's Yoesehold. We Ivor, from Yorre d spedallxed tralsing and from ti years of experience, that children runs! be yproecked, esamiwd, intaMered, counseled, and propued for court when necrssary wkh final prdassbral tan gluon to seasklrlq and acceptableforeralc standards. tYkhout tYe cooNnufng tnlriag and dereloprent of a dedicated roam, oar children's legal rlgla, wYicb are part-aud-puce! of theb rlgk to gror up free frer 1w and emotbeal Mpaineerf, will be greatly dhrinhzYed. We lead tYv State d Hawn in orr tw approacY f4 aexral assauk trines. Nlease da not crt us off at tYe Yaeas ?y falMng to lrrd ihle crlllcal part d our team. Thank you for your corrlderatloa of this regresl. Sincerely, Susan Nrltberg V TO Mayor Harry Kim and Members of the County Council FM Rick Hartsell, Investigator V, Hawau County Prosecutor's Office RE Support for Hawan County Prosecutor's Violence Against Children Unit (VACA) DA March 15, 2001 I was the investigator assigned to the above referenced umt from ] 1/97 through l 1/98 The pos~hve impact of this specialized urrit upon our community and the enminal justice system is immeasurable The VACA unit has worked successfiilly to hold offenders accountable without retraucnati7rng the child victims The highly trained aad motivated members of the VACA unit work in concordance with other agencies involved in child abuse and neglect cases to ensure justice ~s served concurrenfly with the best interests of the child victims The VACA unit has, also, conducted several traimng sessions for all mediums involved in child abuseJneglect issues For more than 20 years I have been involved with the law enforcement community as a police officer, probation officer and investigator The complex and sensitive nature of child abuse/neglect cases demands, both morally and fundamemally, that a priority be placed on the protection of the victims This protection includes the emotional and physical wetl being of the child The protocols developed for these type cases, with the assistance of the VACA unit, along vhth the consistency of a single set of personnel dealing with these cases helps to ensure this end I know each member of the VACA unit, both personally and professionally, and do attest to their commitment and ability to serve the interests of this project The continuity of the VACA unit is essential to expedite the causes of justice for victims and offenders Please fund these positions so that this important work may continue RICK HARTSELL INVESTIGATOR V HAWAII COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE 83/21/2081 16:26 ~ - PAGE B2 March 21, 200] Mayor Harry Kim and Members of the County Council, As a mother of child victims who are now survivors, I have found that the Vio]enee Against Children Unit provided them else nreesssry support and eneouragemeat to help aid them in the prosecution of my older dwghten faths~. Geri Gertz wn the Victim's Assistance Counselor, Prosecuting Attorney was Janes Garcia sad at that time what they prm~ided wss above and beyond the call of duty. Geri walked them throttgh the grand Jury room when it was ertpty to get a feel of whet it would be like whm they would be testifying. Cxri talked with them at a level they could understand and made tbe7m fuel as comforsable as possible. Both Geri and Janet gave them courage and strength when they told their story to a group of strangers in that room. 1~is unit is truly a dedicated group that works for the benefit of the viotiass and their families. Funding for this unit is not only a necessity but also it would give back the sense self-woNt to the children who have been victimised. It helped my daughters because in the end the power of their voices were heard and a sense of self-worth was once again theirs to keep. I.et the Voices of Our Childra? Who Have Been Victimized Be Heard, LWO JAY T. KIMURA ~ „ sI RNNeow DRIVE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY 'w!Y4 Na0 NAwNI aeno P/F fet-0IeB CHARLENE Y. IBOSHI ,f FAX NI-eeoT FIRST DEPUTY NI-~ PROSECUTING ATTORNEY ~3so3 WEST NAWNI UMT PO BOX 71B I~ALAKEKUA YUWNI i675o OFFICE OF THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY Px FA% 17?-658/ March 21, 2001 The Honorable Mayor Harry Kim Members of the County Council I am writing to persuade you to fund the Violence Against Children (VACA) unit in the Prosecutor's Office that will lose its federal funding >_n July, 2001. The members of this team include a deputy prosecutor, investigator, and a secretary. The VACA team handles child sexual and physical abuse cases with the majority involving sexual abuse. The importance of the VACA team lies >.n its ability to handle a very difficult type of criminal case. Sexual abuse cases are the most difficult to prosecute because there are rarely any witnesses or phys>cal ev>_dence to corroborate a victim's statement. The addition of a child vict>_m compounds the complex>ty of the case. There are a number of issues that must be addressed when deal>_ng with a child v>_ctim. First, and foremost, is what is best for the child. Prosecuting the abuser may not be in the best interest of the child. There are communication >.ssues to deal with. Children and adults speak differently and care must be taken to ensure that any questioning is not suggestive in nature. Government social agencies, care providers, and others are usually involved and care must be taken to ensure that all involved work together for the good of the child victim. The VACA team has received specialized training to deal with all of the issues that comes with prosecuting a case that involves a child victim. Having the VACA team available to prosecute these cases prevents the further traumatization of a child victim when there is a criminal prosecution. I urge you, Mayor Kim and members of the County Council, to allocate funds for the continuation of the VACA team. The children of this County who have been victimized by the criminal conduct of others deserve it. Very truly yours, n. MICHAEL S. KA ~I Deputy ProseLUt>.ng Attorney msk.207 Kevin S. Hashizaki 1203 Ho'ohoaloha Place Hilo, HI 96720 March 22, 2001 Dear Mayor Harry Kim and Councilman Arakaki: I write to you in support of the Violence Against Children unit within the Hawaii County Prosecutor's Office. I ask that you commit the necessary resources to permanently fund this unit within the Hawaii County Prosecutor's Office. As a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the past four years with the Hawaii County Prosecutor's Office 2 have first-hand knowledge about the tremendous inroads this unit has made in the prosecution of crimes against children. Armed with specialized training and skill this "unit" has been instrumental in holding accountable those individuals who have physically and sexually abused children in this community. Having prosecuted a wide range of criminal offenses I can unequivocally state that cases involving child victims are the most difficult and challenging. Undeniably, the prosecution of these cases require training and knowledge far beyond that of any other type of crime. It takes a "unit" of highly trained individuals to understand the dynamics that accompany every case of child abuse. The prosecuting these cases are complex and different from any other type of criminal offense given the age and maturity level of the victims. The continued existence of this unit and the specialization of its members are vital to ensure that perpretators of crimes against children in our community are brought to justice. If the protection of our children is of paramount importance then everything possible must be done to ensure that the most experienced and knowledgeable people are in place to protect them. Sincerely, evin S. H hizal March 22, 2001 Mayor Harry Kim County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni St. Hilo, HI Chairman Jimmy Arakakr ' Members of the County Council 25 Aupuni St. _ Hilo, HI Dear Mayor and County Council Members: Re. Testimony in Support of Funding for "Violence Against Children" VACA Unit Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, County of Hawaii I have been a deputy prosecuting attorney with the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, County of Hawaii, since July of 1994. During my service at the prosecutor's office, I was given the privilege and honor of serving as a prosecutor with the VACA unit for about two years. It was a rewarding, challenging, and humbling experience. Prior to my involvement with the VACA unit I was not aware of the depth or magnitude of the problems that afflict the children of our County. I became aware that our children are the victim's of the most awful and heinous crimes. Our children are being raped, touched in the most private places, beaten and brutalized, and neglected each and every day. The people that commit these crimes against our children aze often the child's parent, a close relative, an in-law, or a close family friend. As a result of the closeness of the relationship between the child and the perpetrator, children often feel a sense of shame, gwlt, and responsibility, that keeps them from telling thereby malung these cases difficult to prosecute and prove A specialized unit, like the VACA unit, with its framing and experience is the best approach to prosecuting these cases and helping to nurture and gwde the children and their families through a sterile and often hosttle criminal justice system Additionally, the VACA unit has also been instrumental in helping to build a strong coalit<on with other agencies and organizations that deal with the issue of child abuse and explo~tahon. The unit has also helped to sponsor training programs and workshops dealing with child abuse and exploitation . Mayor Hang Kim Members of the County Council March 22, 2001 Page 2 I believe that our children are the most precious resource we have on the big island. Help to protect this valuable resource. Help to protect our future. Help to protect our children. I humble ask that you support funding for the VACA unit, whose sole purpose is to protect the weakest and most vulnerable members of our community, our children. I thank you for the opportunity to provide input and I hope you will support the children of the Big Island, by supporting funding for the VACA Unit. Very Tnily Yours ~Q~Q~ ~ ~ THARRING T. TRUSDELL Deputy Prosecuting Attorney March 22, 2001 Mayor Harry Kim and Members of the County Council My name is Roxanne I .Lawcock and I am currently the secretary for the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney's Violence Against Children (VACA) unit. This unit, which consists of a deputy prosecuting attorney, victim-witness counselor, investigator and secretary is a specialized unit that works accordingly with other agencies in handling victim-sensitive cases, most of which are child sexual assault cases. Unlike other cases, child sex assault cases are extremely difficult to handle because many times the child is not ready to reveal their homble secret of abuse. It takes a specialized unit to handle victim-sensitive cases. I can attest that we are committed to holding sex offenders and child abusers accountable and work in the best interests of the child. I hope that you will permanently fund the VACA positions - -not for the sake of saving the unit's positions, but for the sake of the safety and well being of our children. What message would society be conveying to the young victims of abuse if we cannot provide the essential foundation necessary to support them. The VACA unit is readily and specially trained to provide the needed support for the victims and we will work very hard to make sure that sex offenders and child abusers will never hurt another child again. We look forward to your support. Sincerely, ^(~Y Lt11f1?J Li' . l(u.'~~~t K Roxanne I. Lawcock March 22, 2001 MAYOR HARRY KIM and MEMBERS OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL This letter is written in support of the county funding of the Violence Against Children Unit of the Hawau County Prosecuting Attorney's Office presently federally funded. I write this letter not only as the investigator for the VACA unit but as a parent, and community member Having worked as a police officer and investigator with the Department of Liquor Control, I felt well prepared to assume my responsibilities with the unit. Wlrile professionally prepared, nothing could prepare me for the volume of cases that I have worked with since becoming a part of the VACA team. I was, and still am astounded as to the homfic acts being perpetuated against young victims. Children from infancy into their late teens are suffering from neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse and mental torture at the hands of predators. The VACA unit has worked hard to help these children who have become victims gam dignity, self-respect and hopefully some restoration of their childhood. These children, members of our community need the community's support in regaining their self esteem that will help them grow up to become strong productive members of our community. The identification and prosecution of the perpetrators lurked to these crimes is an essential component of a process that helps begin the healing process of these young and innocent victims. The perpetrators need to be brought to justice and held accountable for their crimes. If the VACA unit were not allowed to continue, our children will suffer. The great numbers of cases of that reach the Prosecutor's Office each week necessitate a special unit to be assigned to deal with our most valuable resource, our children. Sincerely yours, BRIAN ANTIDA Investigator 850 Hoolaulea Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 March 22, 2001 Mayor Harry Kim and Members of the County Council County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: Support for Funding Violence Against Children "VACA" Unit Office of the Prosecuting Attorney Dear Mayor Kim and Members of the County Council: I strongly urge the county to approve permanent funding for three Violence Against Children "VACA" unit positions (deputy prosecutor, investigator, and secretary) after the 4-year Byrne Memorial federal grant funding the VACA unit expires on July 31, 2001. I have been a deputy prosecuting attorney in Hawaii County for nine years, and have been the Violence Against Children "VACA" deputy for the past I-I/2 years. My caseload covers crimes against children in East Hawaii, Kau and South Kohala. The VACA unit is made up of specially trained members of the prosecutor's office who handle child victim cases with sensztivity for the victim and their families, as well as coordinating efforts with other agencies to address the child's stability and well-being. A crime against a child cannot and should not be handled "in the ordinary course" in the criminal justice system. A child does not have the same ability as an adult to disclose or cope with the physical or sexual abuse. Often, it is a family member or acquaintance who abuses the child. The child is usually scared, threatened, or confused about the abuse. Non-offending family members also may react in the same confused manner, or may blame the victim instead of the offender. This shameful "secret crime" may be kept a secret by the victim and/or adult(s) in the family, due to embarrassment, disbelief, shock or bewilderment. Child sexual abuse cases are the most difficult cases to prosecute. The child victim must endure much more beyond the actual sexual assault. A police interview requires the child to give details about the assault. The child may undergo a genital examination at the hospital. The child must testify before the grand jury to have the offender indicted on criminal charges. If no plea agreement is reached, the victim must tell about the repulsive details of the sexual acts done to his/her body in front of the offender and the 12-person jury in open court. D. Nods VACA support p.2 In addition to the criminal justice process, civil proceedings may be initiated in antra-familial cases by the non-offending parent or Child Welfare Services, to protect the child. The child may have to testify in family court. Tf the non-offending parent is unable or unwilling to protect the child, the child is removed from the family home and put in foster placement. Child physical or sexual abuse, or neglect, is traumatic for the child victim. It is often necessary or wise for the child to receive therapeutic counseling to understand that he/she is not to blame. It is the adult offender who chose to do criminal acts upon the child's body, and therefore should be held accountable, suffer the consequences, and obtain treatment to change these criminal behaviors. The VACA unit is devoted to shepherding child victims through the criminal justice system in a victim-sensitive manner. The unit also works to hold offenders accountable and responsible. The children and our island community are entitled to the beat, focused efforts to reduce the trauma endured by the physically and sexually abused keikis of Hawaii County. Very truly yours, Diane Noda