Small Business News
October 2004 | Online Edition
Vote "Yes" to Help Hawaii's Victims
This November, Hawaii voters will decide whether to adopt four amendments to Hawaii's Constitution that help victims of crime. Each amendment has received overwhelming bipartisan support, as well as strong public support from citizens, the law enforcement community, advocates for victims and children, business and professional organizations, neighborhood associations, and families. This article is co-written by the State Attorney General, Mr. Bennett, and the Prosecuting Attorney of the City & County of Honolulu.
SBH urges all its members, family, and associates, to please vote "yes" for each of the following amendments November 2.
Question 1: "Continuous Sexual Assault of a Minor"
This amendment protects children from sexual abuse. Many young children who are sexually abused over an extended period of time are unable to specifically identify or recall the dates, times, places, and other circumstances surrounding each act of abuse, even though they clearly remember what was done to them and the fact that it happened repeatedly. The ability to recall the dates, times, and other circumstances of multiple sexual assaults should not help shield their assailants from conviction of sexual assault.
Question 2: "Megan's Amendment"
This amendment protects the public's right to know if convicted sexual predators are in their neighborhood and reinforces a citizen's right to make decisions to protect themselves, their family and their children.
People have a right to protect themselves. Parents have a right to protect their children. Information regarding those convicted of sex offenses and certain crimes against children should be made available to citizens as soon as possible after conviction. A separate hearing should not be required in every case. This amendment allows the Legislature to help protect citizens from sex offenders and help parents protect their children.
Question 3: "Rape Shield Law"
This amendment protects rape victims' rights of privacy and confidentiality. Many victims of crime, especially victims of sexual assault, need the help of physicians, psychologists, counselors, or other licensed mental health professionals to recover from the effects of the crime. If victims know that their communications with these professionals may be disclosed to their assailants and made public in a courtroom, they will be less likely to report crimes, and less likely to seek and receive the medical treatment and counseling they need.
Question 4: Information Charging
An identical amendment was overwhelming approved by voters in 2002, but this approval was invalidated by the Hawaii Supreme Court on technical grounds. This amendment would help victims and law enforcement, by saving time and using resources where they are really needed – to help prevent and fight crime. This amendment permits "information charging" which will help eliminate the need for crime victims, police officers and other witnesses to testify on multiple occasions.
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