News Release from Hawaii County Prosecutor, March 31, 2023

Mahalo for your interest and participation in our Office’s 2023 Legislative Initiatives Survey! Our survey was comprised of thirteen (13) questions and included relevant legal background information and our Office’s proposed legislative changes. A total of 674 individuals participated in the survey, which ran from December 2022 through February 2023.

--The survey results indicate that the public agrees with our Office’s position to establish harsher penalties for domestic abuse, fentanyl possession, drug distribution resulting in serious injury or death, felons in possession of firearms, and driving under the influence. A majority also support creation of new offenses criminalizing fraud and corruption by public officials and employees, establishing a class of negligent or involuntary manslaughter offenses, and adoption of the felony murder rule.

--Results also showed that an overwhelming number of participants support the relocation of HCCC and the construction of new correctional facilities on Hawai‘i Island.

--A large percentage agree on the importance of prioritizing increased funding for substance abuse and mental health treatment on Hawai‘i Island.

--Lastly, the results demonstrate that a large majority of Hawai‘i Island residents agree with our Office that custody determinations should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Residents do not believe that defendants should be automatically released even if charged with only “non-violent” misdemeanor and/or felony offenses.

This data will be shared with our Hawai‘i Island state representatives and senators, Hawai‘i County Council, and the Mayor’s Office. We hope this data assists our state lawmakers and county officials in advocating for the best interests of Hawai‘i Island.

Data from our Office’s survey last year was instrumental in the passage of new legislation, including a class B felony offense for automobile and motorcycle theft and a new felony offense for dog attacks resulting in serious bodily injury or death.

Please feel free to view the results for each legislative initiative by scrolling through the images.

PDF: Prosecutors 2023 Survey Results

BIN: Soft-on-Crime Crowd Terrified by Survey Results