Hot Rods for a Cause - Benefit for Domestic Violence

Rep. Karen Awana has been involved with “Hot Rods for a Cause” for several years. It's a group formed to help prevent domestic violence, and they will hold their annual event next month featuring a Car Show, Swap Meet and rides in conjunction with informational booths promoting education and awareness of the domestic violence issue. Proceeds will go to the Domestic Violence Action Center.

WHEN: Sunday, July 11, 2010
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

WHERE: Kalaeloa Airport between Hangars 110 and 111

Members of various car and motorcycle clubs around Oahu, some of whom have family members injured or killed in domestic violence incidents, have joined together to raise money for domestic violence awareness.

The event, which draws thousands, will feature a Car Show with entries from all car clubs with custom cars, trucks, and bikes. There will be food, music, rides, and swap meet vendors.

“My involvement with this event started through a request to help find a location, but it quickly grew into a cause that will help to save lives,” said Rep. Karen Awana. “So many families in my district are impacted by domestic violence, and this is one way that we can get people to realize how important it is to stop the violence that starts in our own homes.”

For more information, contact:

Office of Rep. Karen Awana
808-586-8465

Hot Rods for a Cause: Cal Domen
808-696-0033 or 282-2443

Legislation targeting domestic violence

House and Senate Judiciary, Health and Human Services committees heard from the Hawaii State coalition Against Domestic Violence this afternoon on the five-year (2007-2012) Domestic Violence Strategic Plan. The coalition updated lawmakers on actions taken thus far, progress of the plan, and future goals.

Read more about the plan in a previous post on an informal briefing held by the coalition in early December.

Here are some of the bills relating to domestic violence introduced this session:

HB229 RELATING TO THE PENAL CODE
Amends the offenses of murder in the first degree, murder in the second degree, assault in the second degree, and terroristic threatening in the first degree to include conduct committed against victims who the courts and police are attempting to keep safe with protective orders.

HB 275 RELATING TO MANDATORY REPORTING OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT.
Broadens the group of persons required to report child abuse and neglect to include family members, unless they are victims of domestic violence.

HB332 RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT SECURITY
Provides unemployment insurance to those who are separated from their employment as a result of domestic or sexual violence, in a manner that accommodates the legitimate interests of employers.

HB 724 RELATING TO INCOME TAX.
Allows a taxpayer to choose between the current $5 or a new $8 check off donation from their tax liability for the Hawaii children's trust fund, and the domestic violence and sexual assault special funds within the department of health, the department of human services, and the judiciary.

HB 726 RELATING TO CHILDREN.
Establishes a task force to examine situations resulting in a child fatality or a serious injury due to drug use by a parent, guardian, or caregiver, and develop a plan to prevent such situations from occurring. Establishes a system for the Department of Human Services to allow children to continue to reside in pre-existing caregivers' safe homes rather than enter into foster care, subject to certain conditions.

HB 728 RELATING TO TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDERS.
Requires the judiciary to establish a three-year statewide pilot project for the electronic filing of requests for and issuance of domestic abuse temporary restraining orders on nights and weekends. Makes an appropriation.

HB 812 RELATING TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.
Allows a tenant who is a victim of domestic violence, sexual abuse, or harassment by stalking to terminate his or her rental agreement.

HB 815 RELATING TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.
Authorizes the counties to impose fees for domestic violence prevention programs upon defendants convicted of domestic violence.

HB 872 RELATING TO THE FEDERAL VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT.
Requires the department of human services to establish a pilot project to assist undocumented immigrants who are victims of domestic violence or sexual assault.

HB892 RELATING TO PROTECTIVE ORDERS
Requires periodic court review of protective order where duration of initial or extended order exceeds 3 years.

HB 873 RELATING TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.
Requires law enforcement officers to report to the Department of Human Services (DHS) when a child witnesses an incident of domestic abuse. Requires DHS to collaborate with other agencies and organizations establish procedures and protocols and report to the legislature.

HB1020 RELATING TO THE PENAL CODE
To provide greater protections to victims of domestic violence who the court is already attempting to keep safe through protective orders.

HB 1285 RELATING TO THE PENAL CODE.
Amends the offenses of assault in the second degree and terroristic threatening in the first degree to include conduct committed against victims who the courts and police are attempting to keep safe with protective orders.

HB 1286 RELATING TO TERMS OF IMPRISONMENT.
Adds the acts of inflicting serious or substantial bodily injury upon a person who is pregnant in the course of committing or attempting to commit a felony to those actions for which an extended term of imprisonment may be given. Mandates imprisonment for such actions if not subject to extended term.

HB 1647 RELATING TO TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDERS.
Requires a judge who denies a petition for an ex parte temporary restraining order to issue an order that includes the reasons for denial. Allows the petitioner to proceed to a noticed hearing if the denied petition is jurisdictionally adequate. Permits petitioner to waive the right to a noticed hearing

HB 1496 RELATING TO TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES.
Requires department of human services to grant to families homeless assistance, under specified circumstances, as an allowance for nonrecurring special needs when homelessness is a direct result of domestic violence. Allows verification by sworn statement of victim.

HB 1497 RELATING TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.
Prohibits a landlord from evicting a rental housing tenant solely on the basis that the tenant is a victim of domestic violence.

HB 1498 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR EMERGENCY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTERS.
Makes an appropriation for emergency domestic violence shelters.

HB 1524 RELATING TO CRIMINAL CONTEMPT OF COURT.
Prohibits a court from imprisoning a victim of a sexual assault or domestic abuse crime for contempt for refusing to testify concerning that sexual assault or domestic abuse crime.

HB 1647 RELATING TO TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDERS.
Requires a judge who denies a petition for an ex parte temporary restraining order to issue an order that includes the reasons for denial. Allows the petitioner to proceed to a noticed hearing if the denied petition is jurisdictionally adequate. Permits petitioner to waive the right to a noticed hearing

HB 1649 RELATING TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.
In a case where a complaint, indictment, or information charging a crime of domestic abuse has been filed, authorizes a court to issue a restraining order upon a good cause belief, including results of a criminal history search, that harm to the victim or a witness has occurred or is reasonably likely to occur.

Domestic Violence Briefing

"When she refused to go with him, he pulled a gun from his pocket and shot her. He then shot her three more times." -- Domestic Violence Strategic Plan Executive Summary.

Not all domestic violence cases end this way. But too many of them have. This year alone intimate domestic violence can be blamed for fourteen deaths, including victims, children and perpetrators.

In 2005, the Legislature directed the Department of Health to develop a five year plan (2007-2012) to reduce the incidences of domestic violence. The DOH selected the Hawaii Coalition Against Domestic Violence (HSCADV) to create a planning committee to develop the plan. The planning committee today briefed lawmakers on the goals, objectives, hindrances and progress of the Domestic Violence Strategic Plan.

The plan seeks to achieve three key goals: greater community awareness about domestic violence; ensure batterers are held accountable; ensure easy access to services and safety.

One of the committee's main concerns is the lack of sufficient training for police and other groups that would most likely be first responders to a domestic violence report. The Honolulu Police Department used to devote an entire day to domestic violence training at the Police Academy. Today, new recruits spend roughly 45 minutes familiarizing themselves with probable domestic violence incidences and how to deal with them. this is not enough time. In surveys and interviews, victims have repeatedly complained about the way local police officers have handled incidences. Many of them are unable to immediately recognize the signs of intimate partner violence or lack procedural knowledge, such as not talking to the batterer in front of children.

Eight Plan Measures

1.) Increased awareness about domestic violence within targeted communities

2.) Increased access for school-aged children in skill building and prevention education about domestic violence

3.) Increased access to services for victims on each island.

4.) Increased accountability and opportunity for batterers to develop new skills

5.) Increased leadership and collaboration among agencies to address domestic violence

6.) Increased use of reliable data to educate and inform the general community and policy makers about domestic violence

7.) Increased training about domestic violence

8.) Increased resources supporting domestic violence prevention and intervention activities

Photo: Print ad in Mixed Martial Arts magazine, "Real men keep it in the ring"; "You love your daughter, you would do anything for her, start by respecting her mother".

Lawmakers honor advocates for victims of domestic violence

State Representative John Mizuno (District 30 - Kamehameha Heights, Kalihi Valley, Fort Shafter), advocates against domestic violence, and family members of Janel Tupuola will present a Legislative certificate to Big City Diner for their commitment to supporting victims of domestic violence.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008
1:00 p.m.

Big City Diner – Pearlridge Shopping Center
98-211 Pali Momi Street, Aiea, HI 96701

Big City Diner will be hosting an all-day fundraiser event Tuesday, August 19, wherein a percentage of all purchased menu items will be donated to the "Janel Tupuola's Keiki Fund" to benefit Janel's five children. Janel Tupuola, 30, was bludgeoned to death with the butt of a shotgun in January. Police charged Janel Tupuola's former boyfriend, Alapeti Siuanu Tunoa, Jr., with second-degree murder.

On behalf of the family, Diamond Badajos, Janel's cousin, issued the following statement: We, the humbled family of Janel Tupuola, are eternally grateful for the gracious contributions from the community. With our combined efforts, we will instill in the children the ability to conquer adversity, the faith in family as an undeterred support system and open their minds to the realities and outcomes of dreaming big; every mother's greatest desire.

"It is very encouraging to recognize advocates and heroes who champion the support and assistance for victims of domestic violence. We are all humbled by Big City Diner's humanitarian effort in helping families of domestic violence," said Rep. Mizuno.

Special benefit event for domestic violence victim

Diamond Badajos, the niece of Janel Tupuola, will host a special benefit event at the Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park to celebrate Janel's life and to share an important message of family unity and love. The benefit will address domestic violence issues and its devastating effect.

Saturday, August 9, 2008
7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park
400 Farrington Highway, Kapolei, HI 96707

"It is very encouraging to witness the fortitude and strength of Janel's children and family. They have conquered adversity through unity, courage and love, and we are all humbled that Janel's spirit lives well with her children," said Representative John Mizuno (District 30 – Kamehameha Heights, Kalihi Valley, Fort Shafter).

Background: On January 16, 2008, Janel Tupuola, 30, was bludgeoned to death by the butt of a shotgun. Police charged Janel Tupuola's former boyfriend, Alapeti Siuanu Tunoa, Jr., with second-degree murder. On behalf of Janel's family, Diamond Badajos issued this statement:

"We, the humbled family of Janel Tupuola, are eternally grateful for the gracious contributions from the community. With our combined efforts, we will instill in the children the ability to conquer adversity, the faith in family as an undeterred support system and open their minds to the realities and outcomes of dreaming big; every mother's greatest desire."

Hero to one, example to all

Wally Miyasato, pictured in red between Reps. Brower and Mizuno, a 7-11 Supervisor, was recognized by the House of Representatives today for his support of his employee, "Pam", who has been affected by domestic violence.

Wally has been very empathic to Pam's situation. He has allowed her to take time off when she has needed to tend to legal or emotional affairs.

Mizuno, Brower and advocates against domestic violence presented Wally with a certificate honoring his unyielding support of domestic violence victims.

According to Mizuno, they hope to reduce domestic violence through education and public awareness. "We have seen so much negative coverage relating to domestic violence this year, it's refreshing to recognize someone who has been a hero to victims of domestic violence. We're hopeful that other managers, supervisors and employers follow suit because their actions can make a difference and save a family," he said.

Brower, left, said, "Wally helps employees who have hardships and understands the importance of loyalty and ethics in business. His understanding of the lives of domestic violence victims is commendable, and his management skills reveal he has a big heart and enduring sympathy."

"Pam" (in red) talks to reporters about how she survived the abuse and how grateful she is to Miyasato for supporting her during a tough time in her life. "Wally Miyasato is my hero, without his support I would not have a job today," she said.


"Domestic violence survivors cannot survive without the community's support. Employers like Wally make the difference. He has stood by her side and ensured that she has a job to come to and income to claim," said Dara Carlin, a community advocate against domestic violence, to reporters after the presentation of the certificate.

Remembering Steven Wilcox

More than a hundred people gathered at the State Capitol today to honor the memory of Steven Wilcox, the teenager who was killed last week while trying to intervene in a domestic violence situation.

Rep. John Mizuno and Wilcox's family members hosted silent march around the Capitol last night in hopes of building awareness on improving domestic violence laws. Although Wilcox did not die because of his own domestic violence situation, he was the Good Samaritan who tried to stop the assault of another person.

Lawmakers and staff members have held several silent marches this year following the tragic deaths of Janel Tupuola, Cyrus Belt, Della Dikito and Tyran Vesperas-Saniatan. Tonight's silent march was especially personal to one capitol staff member who is a relative of the late Steven Wilcox. Alika Malabey, the office manager for Rep. Josh Green and Wilcox's, has participated in several silent marches, but never to this capacity.

"I have participated in many silent marches…this march will personally touch me because this was a family member who was struck down while defending another person," said Malabey.

Following the silent march, family and friends sang "Amazing Grace" and "Hoonani Ka Makua Mau" while holding hands in a circle.

Photo (top): Gwen Kai'lihiwa, Steven Wilcox's mother tells the participants of the silent march that "it might be my loss, but heaven's gain and god's glory." She thanked everyone for attending and urged them to not let her son's death go in vain, but to get involved and help stop domestic violence. Behind her from left to right, Rep. Tom Brower, Alika Malabey and Rep. John Mizuno.

Photo (bottom): Reps. Tom Brower and John Mizuno at the silent march for Steven Wilcox.

Silent March for Good Samaritan; GPS tracking now law

A silent march around the State Capitol will be held at 5:30 p.m. to remember Steven Wilcox, 19, who was allegedly stabbed to death outside a Waimanalo karaoke bar. Witnesses of the crime said that Wilcox was attempting to stop a domestic abuse situation. Participants are asked to meet street-side, near the Father Damien statue.

This recent tragedy has stirred up talk in the media about legislation that had or had not passed out this session. The Good Samaritan bill (SB3182), which did not make it through the legislative process, would have increased sentencing for anyone convicted of assaulting a Good Samaritan.

Another bill, SB2218 SD1 HD2 CD1, creating a two-year pilot program to allow courts to order violators of domestic violence temporary restraining orders to where a GPS tracking device was signed into law yesterday by the Governor as ACT 180 (08). Requiring offenders to wear the electronic tracking device will be at the discretion of the judge and at the expense of the offender.

Rep. Marilyn Lee, the lawmaker who introduced the House companion bill, rose in support of the bill during a voting session on the House floor, recounting a story of appreciation from a woman who suffered domestic violence abuse. She said:

"I recently received a letter from a woman who thanked me for proposing this bill. This woman was in a physically abusive relationship with her ex-boyfriend for over ten years. In December 2002, he beat her so severely that she finally realized he would eventually kill her. This woman took positive steps in mitigating the situation by enrolling in programs at the Family Peace Center. The Center offers programs for adults and children in order to provide peace to Hawaii's families by offering safety, support, empowerment and accountability to survivors, offenders and child witnesses to domestic violence. She chose the Maluhia Victim/Survivor Family Component program that serves survivors of domestic violence. This loving mother chose for her daughter, the Haupoa Family Component program that works with children who have witnessed domestic violence in the family. Although it has been five years since the temporary restraining order was granted, she still has "encounters" with the ex-boyfriend. This woman and her daughter still fear for their safety and as a consequence, have curtailed public outings. This woman's story has touched me so much. Now, more than ever, I definitely believe an electronic monitoring device will serve as an additional tool that would assist the court in protecting victims and their children's safety. I urge the members to support this bill."

To a different effect, Rep. Cindy Evans voted "yes" on the bill, but had concerns about the devices false sense of safety and its high financial cost. This is what she had to say:

"First, the technology for electronic monitoring is improving, but there are many areas around the State where GPS cannot pick up the signal to determine the location of the individual. Thus, a victim of abuse may become too confident on the monitoring system and stop taking necessary precautions to protect themselves. Second, the cost for the individual to wear an electronic monitoring device is estimated at $25 per day. If one wants to get a warning on their cellular phone that the individual wearing the device is nearby, there is another charge of up to $25 a day. I'm concerned the cost is too high. The technology continues to improve and maybe we are premature in thinking this device will keep someone safe. For these reasons, I'm in support with some concerns."

Jail or GPS?

State courts are turning to electronic monitoring as a way to alleviate overcrowded prisons, according to an article on Reuters about the growing use of GPS as a crime-fighting tool.

Hawaii lawmakers this session passed out a bill that would give judges the authority to require a person who violates a temporary restraining order to where an electronic monitoring device. Authorities would be alerted via satellite to computer server if the offender enters a restrictive zone, usually the work and home area of the victim. Advocates against domestic violence worked with legislators to draft this electronic monitoring bill that they believe can save the lives of many women and could have prevented the recent spurt of domestic violence deaths this past year.

According to the article, North Carolina's eastern Pitt County now releases more accused batterers on bond and track them with GPS since implementing the program in 2005. By using this technology, more space is available in the jails and authorities are still aware of the whereabouts of the offender before their trial date.

But does it work? Could electronic monitoring be an alternative to our prison issues and still guarantee the safety of the victims of domestic violence?

Here's and excerpt from the article regarding the county's success:

In a measure of success, police dispatchers receive fewer calls involving the same person when an offender wears a GPS bracelet. Pitt County's recidivism rate for domestic violence fell from 36 percent in 2004 to 14 percent this year, said Sgt. John Guard of local sheriff's domestic violence unit.
But once batterers finish the program and go off GPS, the rate shot back up to around 40 percent, he added.
"It may help in the short term pre-trial. But post-trial, it's not. That tells me there are other things we have to do to ensure the safety of the victims," he said

Silent march against domestic violence

More than 100 people gathered at the State Capitol tonight to participate in a silent march against domestic violence and to celebrate the life of Della Dikito, the most recent victim of domestic violence.

Dikito, an Ewa Beach woman, was shot by her husband before he turned the gun on himself on April 25, say police.

"I only hope that something positive will come from this senseless tragedy," said Joslin Chun, a friend who met Dikito in elementary school and had known her for 30 years, to the crowd of mourners at the capitol.

The Legislature introduced several bills and resolutions related to domestic violence this session to help battle the surge of tragic domestic violence cases.

The following bills and resolutions relating to domestic violence passed out this session:

HCR25: A resolution that urges all hospitals that provide medical care to newborns to provide parents of the newborn with written educational information approved by the Department of Health about the dangerous effects of shaken baby syndrome and the methods of preventing shaken baby syndrome.

HCR45: A resolution that designates May 5 through May 9, 2008 as Hawaii teen dating violence awareness and prevention week.

HCR93: A resolution that designates aging participation in the statewide purple ribbon and purple arm band campaign against domestic violence.

SB2218 SD1 HD2 CD1: A bill that requires electronic monitoring of persons convicted of violating a domestic abuse temporary restraining order or protective order. It is at the discretion of the courts to order mandatory electronic monitoring based on the persons ability to pay. Effective 7/1/08. Sunset 2 years.

Rep. John Mizuno urged participants to get involved in the legislative process, attend bill hearings and get their voices heard. "Next year we'll come back and we'll pass more (bills against domestic violence). We need your help," Mizuno said.

Photo (top left): A citizen against domestic violence holds her sign up high at the beginning of the silent march at the Hawaii State Capitol.

Photo (middle right): Rep. John Mizuno and Rep. Tom Brower at the silent march.

Photo (bottom left): Rep. Tom Brower with yellow sign, "Domestic Violence Free Zone," at the silent march against domestic violence and in memory of Della Dikito.

Lawmakers want to prevent more domestic violence tragedies

Photo from The Honolulu Advertiser. Health Committee chair Rep. Josh Green M.D. and vice chair Rep. John Mizuno

"Domestic violence will not be tolerated," said Rep. Maile Shimabukuro yesterday at the beginning of a hearing to address the recent rash of domestic violence tragedies, including the shocking deaths of Janel Tupuola and Cyrus Belt, and to discuss ways to prevent future deaths.

The Honolulu Advertiser and the Star-Bulletin both printed articles in today's morning paper. Robert Shikina from the Bulletin writes about a new bill that will be presented by Rep. Josh Green and require parents to be clean and free of drugs 60 days before getting their child back.

The Advertiser's Dan Nakaso delves more into the questioning of the Department of Human Services' handling of the Cyrus Belt case.

What didn't they report? Here are some of my notes of what wasn't mentioned in detail in the media:

• Lawmakers and representatives from The Hawaii Coalition Against Domestic Violence emphasized the need to empower those who may be at risk of becoming a domestic violence victim, particularly women involved in abusive relationships.


• The issues with the Cyrus and Tupuola cases are not the same, said a representative from the domestic violence coalition. When it comes to intimate partner violence, multiple instances of violent behavior toward a victim lead to fatal events.


• Intimate partner violence is not about the physical abuse, according to the Coalition. That is only one tactic that the abuser uses to assert and maintain control over their partner. Other tactics include money, children and insults.


• Rep. John Mizuno pushed the empowerment issue. He said that victims of abuse need to have better access to more information. Victims of intimate partner violence, especially low-income families, need to know which organizations can provide help and who they should call. When victims decide to leave an abusive relationship they may need aid in paying the first months rent, transportation to work, etc.

Hawaii remembers Janel Tupuola, Cyrus Belt and other domestic violence victims

Moms, dads and kids lit candles and whispered personal prayers tonight at the Capitol in remembrance of Hawaii's domestic violence victims.

Hawaii residents joined Rep. John Mizuno, Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland, co-chairs of the Keiki Caucus, along with Rep. Karen Awana and former Rep. Dennis Arakaki in a silent march around the Capitol, State Library and Iolani Palace, ending with a prayer and lighting ceremony.

The family and friends of Janel Tupuola and Cyrus Belt were present. Janel's father reminded those in attendance that this isn't only about the recent tragic events; it's about domestic violence in Hawaii and it needs to stop.

Silent March and Candlelight Prayer for Cyrus Belt and Janel Tupuola

Rep. John Mizuno, Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland, co-chairs of the Keiki Caucus, along with Rep. Karen Awana and former Rep. Dennis Arakaki are organizing a silent march, followed by a candlelight prayer for Cyrus Belt and Janel Tupuola on Tuesday evening. Rep. Mizuno asks the participants to consider wearing black, black arm bands or black ribbons to remember these two victims of violence. Here are the details:

When: Tuesday, January 22, 2008. Meet at 5 p.m.
Where: Gather in front of the Father Damien statue, State Capitol, to march down Beretania Street.

The victims: Cyrus Belt, 23-months-old, was thrown from an H-1 Freeway pedestrian overpass on Thursday, January 17th. According to the City Medical Examiner, Cyrus likely died from the 24-foot fall. Police have charged Matthew Higa with second degree murder of Cyrus Belt.

Janel Tupuola, 29-years-old, was bludgeoned to death by the butt of a shotgun on Wednesday, January 16th. Police have charged Janel Tupuola's former boyfriend, Alapeti Siuanu Tunoa, Jr., with second-degree murder.

Photos: Honolulu Star-Bulletin