Page 6 - MidWeek East - June 22, 2022

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JUNE 22, 2022
We brag when we say “lucky we live Hawai‘i,” but the Legislature is endan- gering you and this saying because fearing for your life in the Aloha State is an unthinkable nightmare mor- phing into reality. Honolulu has faced unprecedented lev- els of crime in the past year, some as gruesome as being lit on fire or beaten to death in broad daylight. Yet, leg- islative action is misaligned with the community’s plea for public safety.
STATE REP. GENE WARD
Reasons For Ige To Veto The ‘Get Out Of Jail Free’ Bill
House Rep. Gene Ward (fourth from right) with Honolulu Police Department/State of Hawai‘i Organization of Police Officers at Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s June 8 press conference denouncing HB1567, the “no bail/get out of jail free bill.” PHOTO COURTESY THE OFFICE OF STATE REP. GENE WARD
the state Legislature. It al- lows offenders of certain nonviolent crimes — includ- ing traffic offenses, petty misdemeanor offenses, mis- demeanor offenses or class C felony offenses — to leave custody without monetary bail. It is premised on the idea that lowering the incar- cerated population alleviates racial and economic dispari- ties and is objectively right.
age or even promoting por- nography for minors. Addi- tionally, those who commit violent crimes, or have a history of committing vio- lent crimes or not appearing in court, may be entitled to a lower bail amount based on their ability to afford it.
Known as the “no cash bail” bill, HB1567 was passed early this month by
The term “nonviolent” must not be taken lightly. As written in the bill, the term fails to cover a broad range of egregious offenses such as harassment by stalking, shoplifting, property dam-
Regardless of their finan- cial status, criminals are still criminals. A crime is no less damaging if committed by a millionaire in contrast to someone living below the poverty line. Signing this bill into law would open a revolving door of nonviolent crimes and detracts from any personal responsibility and
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