HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0200.005 1996-1998 RECEIVED
May 19, 1997 Coudiy Council
Chairman James Arakaki
County of Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Mr. Chairman:
Re: Bill No. 78 - Salary Adjustment for Deputy Prosecutors
The purpose of this letter is to support Bill No. 78.
My husband and I place high priority on the safety of our community
especially having been victims of a property crime. One of the
individuals involved had prior felony convictions and was on parole
when he committed the offense. He was also suspected in about 30
other property crimes.
Deputy Prosecutor Ian Cate was zealous in his prosecution of the
defendant. He was able to gain the cooperation of reluctant
witnesses who were encouraged to do their civic duty. Mr. Cate's
hard work paid off as the defendant was found guilty.
Mr. Cate wrote a memorandum of sentencing carefully detailing the
reasons to impose the maximum sentence. His strong arguments
convinced the probation officer to recommend an extended sentence.
More importantly, the Judge concurred and imposed such a sentence.
The continuum of prosecution did not end at the point of senten-
cing. Mr. Cate is planning to go before the Parole Board in
Honolulu who will determine the minimum term the defendant must
serve before becoming eligible for parole. I am appreciative that
Mr. Jay Kimura allowed this extra expenditure for travel.
This kind of diligence shown my the Prosecutor's Office renews my
faith in the criminal justice system. I am appreciative of Mr.
Cate and other Deputy Prosecutors who do not limit themselves to
their salaried hours, but who put in overtime hours to secure a
successful prosecution.
The Deputy Prosecutors are appointed civil servants who are exempt
from the pay raises awarded to union employees. Given inflation,
the pay of these hard working individuals have actually decreased
in terms of real dollars over the years. To maintain the quality
of Deputy Prosecutors and to attract others of similar caliber,
please pass Bill No. 78.
Sincerely,
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MASULIT
Ferdie Masulit and Arlene Awa~ysu~~t _ ~ PO BOX 4595
-~Q~ HILO HI 96720-0595
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