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. ~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