Apr

30

Public Safety Measures Makes Their Way to the Governor’s Desk

Press Releases / Public Safety & Military Affairs

Honolulu – A measure that would close the loophole in Hawaii’s gun law is on its way to the Governor’s desk for consideration.  The measure, Senate Bill 69, was passed out of the Senate and House today.   If it becomes law, county police departments are required to fingerprint, photograph and perform background checks on a person arriving in Hawaii with a firearm purchased outside of the state.

This measure tightens up our current gun law and it has nothing to do with denying someone their second amendment rights, it has to do with public safety,” said Senator Will Espero, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs.   He also is the primary introducer of the bill.

Hawaii has one of the strictest gun laws in the nation. This measure was supported by Hawaii Rifle Association.

Another measure introduced by Senator Espero and receiving approval from both chambers is Senate Bill 680, which establishes a state Homeland Security Office within the state Department of Defense.

Hawaii’s geographic location makes us vulnerable to homeland security threats.  This new office would complement the federal Department of Homeland Security and show the states commitment to terroristic and other threats to our state.  Currently, the main focus of the state Department of Defense is mostly civil defense or emergency preparedness and the National Guard,” explained Espero.

If the measure becomes law, the adjutant general will serve as the director of the State Homeland Security Office.   The office is tasked to prepare comprehensive plans and programs for homeland security and homeland defense, make studies and surveys of the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure, and other tasks.

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Apr

03

Hearing to Address Recent Incidents with Public Safety Department to be Held

Press Releases / Public Safety & Military Affairs

Honolulu –  In wake of recent incidents relating to the Department of Public Safety, the Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs is holding an informational briefing on Thursday,April 4, 2013, at 2:30 p.m. in the State Capitol’s Conference Room 224.

The informational briefing will discuss the following issues and incidents:

  1. Number of escapes from Public Safety Department facilities the last 5 years
  1. Recruitment and Training of Public Safety Department staff
  1. February 20, 2013 escape of Teddy Munet
  1. Death of Cyrl Chung at Oahu Community Correctional Center

Dept. of Public Safety Director Ted Sakai and Dept. of Human Resources Development Director Barbara Kreig have been invited to attend.

“The recent incidents under the Department of Public Safety’s watch have raised many questions and concerns regarding the community’s safety as well as the safety of its employees and inmates,” said Sen. Will Espero, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs.  “We hope to have good discussion about the issues that’ll hopefully lead to some resolutions.”

The briefing will be televised live on cable channel 55.

Public testimony will not be accepted.

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Mar

11

U.S Navy to be Recognized for its Hawaiian Cultural Stewardship and Renewable Energy Initiatives

Capitol Meetings & Events / Press Releases / Public Safety & Military Affairs

Honolulu – The Hawaii State Senate will be presenting the United States Navy with a Certificate of Recognition for its Hawaiian cultural stewardship and its renewable energy initiatives on Tuesday, March 12, during its Session.

Senator Maile Shimabukuro is co-sponsoring the certificate with Senator Will Espero, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs.

 Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam has partnered with other organizations to perform important projects that help preserve our culture, including maintaining the Halealoha Haleamau Burial Platform and replacing invasive Pickleweed with native Hawaiian plant species at Ahua Reef,” said Sen. Maile Shimabukuro, who represents District 21, encompassing the areas of Kalaeloa, Honokai Hale, Ko ‘Olina, Nanakuli, Ma‘ili, Wai‘anae, Makaha, and Makua.  “These projects mean a lot to our community and we certainly appreciate the Navy pitching in to help.”

The Navy have also been hosting Makahiki events co-sponsoring with the O`ahu Council of Hawaiian Civic Clubs for the past ten years.

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam further promotes environmental stewardship by utilizing photovoltaic arrays to lower energy costs in support of U.S. Navy and Department of Defense initiatives, operates a fuel oil reclamation facility to reduce disposal costs and dependence on foreign oil, and was recently recognized as best in the Navy for energy and water efficiency.

Meanwhile, the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kaua`i and its partnership with Ke Kula Ni`ihau O Kekaha sustains the educational display of habitat types that existed on the Mana Plain prior to western contact, and supports educational programs that include remotely piloted water craft and model rockets developed by Kaua`i students.  The Missile Range also manages its light sources to reduce potential harm on the Newell’s Shearwater and Hawaiian Petrel.  This effort protects the endangered birds and reduces energy consumption.  It also continues its partnership with numerous agencies and volunteers to enhance the survival of Laysan Albatross populations located at the facility.

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Mar

06

Senator Will Espero Discusses Sequestration Informational Briefing

Public Safety & Military Affairs

Senator Will Espero, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs talks about today’s joint informational briefing with the House Committee on Veterans, Military, & International Affairs, & Culture and the Arts. Today’s briefing discussed the economic impact of the Armed Forces in Hawaii and the budgetary concerns impacted by the federal fiscal cliff.

To view the video click here: http://youtu.be/LHqcIDeWsbM.

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Mar

01

Hawaii State Senate Honors the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II

Press Releases / Public Safety & Military Affairs

(Hawaii State Senate honors Tuskegee Airmen.)

Honolulu –The Hawaii State Senate honored the Tuskegee Airmen during its floor session today.

The Tuskagee Airmen are members of the 332d Fighter Group and 477th Bombardment Group that flew missions from Sicily to Normandy during World War II.  The Tuskegee Airmen are also the only African American pilots who served in combat.

Hawaii residents Romaine Goldsborough and Philip Baham, along with Alexander Jefferson of Michigan, were presented a Certificate of Recognition from the Senate.   Romaine Goldsborough will be represented by his wife at the presentation.   Although unable to attend the presentation, Governor Neil Abercrombie presented the veterans with a proclamation, declaring today “Tuskegee Airmen Day.”

It was such an honor to meet these veterans who faced so much adversity, yet still had the strength to fight in the war.  It was important to acknowledge and share their story and the contributions they made to our American history,” said Senator Will Espero, chair of the Senate Committee Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs.

While facing much adversity and limited opportunities, African Americans were barred from flying for the U.S. military prior to 1940. These barriers neared an end when civil rights groups and the press exerted enough pressure for an all African American pursuit squadron formed in Tuskegee, Alabama in 1941.

The Tuskegee Airmen overcame segregation and racial prejudice and became one of the most highly respected fighter groups of World War II. Their awards and decorations include three Distinguished Unit Citations, 14 Bronze Stars, and eight Purple Hearts. These achievements and commendations paved the way for full integration of African Americans in the U.S. military.

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Feb

28

Bill Addressing Rock Climbing on Government Land on its Way to the Full Senate Vote

Press Releases / Public Safety & Military Affairs

Honolulu – Senate Bill 1168 was passed through its final committee and will go before the full Senate for consideration next week.  If passed, the bill will go to the House for consideration.

The bill clarifies the State Tort Liability Act, stating that no public entity or public employee will be held liable to any person for injury or damage sustained on government land while mountain climbing, rock climbing, rappelling and bouldering.

The bill received an overwhelming amount of support, which we took into consideration while hearing the measure,” said Senator Malama Solomon, chair of the Senate Committee on Water and Land.  “This bill will release the State from being responsible for anyone’s injuries while participating in climbing activities on state land.”

The Department of Land and Natural Resources, State Attorney General, Access Fund, and Change.org. supported the measure, while the Hawaii Association for Justice and numerous individuals opposed the bill.

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Feb

14

The Hawaii State Senate Confirms Ted Sakai as Director of the Department of Public Safety

Confirmations / Press Releases / Public Safety & Military Affairs

Honolulu –  The Hawaii State Senate today confirmed Theodore I. Sakai as Director of the Department of Public Safety.  Sakai has been serving as the interim Director of Public Safety since June 1, 2012, when he was appointed by the Governor.

“Mr. Sakai will undoubtedly serve the public well as Director of the Department of Public Safety as this is his second tour of duty in this capacity.  He is very accomplished and experienced in the criminal justice field after working in the profession for over forty-three years,” said Sen. Will Espero, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs.

He previously served as the Director of Public Safety from 1998 to 2002. Sakai received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

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Feb

01

Senator Espero Talks About Gun Buy-Back Program

Public Safety & Military Affairs

The issue of gun control continues to be debated at the national, state, and city level. With the recent shootings in Aurora, Colorado and Newton, Connecticut, gun violence has been thrust into the forefront of many discussions across the country, including here in Hawaii.

Senator Will Espero, who introduced a measure to curb gun violence through the creation of a gun buy-back program, discusses the bill, Senate Bill 69, Relating to Firearms. According to the bill, a gun buy-back program decreases the availability of guns in the community by providing cash incentives to gun possessors to forfeit their firearms. In December, a gun buy-back program in Los Angeles netted 2,037 firearms in a single day. The measure was heard yesterday by the Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs, which Espero serves as chair.

To view video: http://youtu.be/uVj1C74282k.

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May

21

MILESTONE IN PUBLIC SAFETY: REFORMS FOR PAROLE AND PROBATION:

Articles / News Articles and Editorials / Public Safety & Military Affairs

A DIVERSE LIST OF LEGISLATION MOVES HAWAII FORWARD IN PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUES

By Senator Will Espero, Chair of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, Government Operations, and Military Affairs

The 2012 legislative session has been a milestone year for public safety, and in particular, corrections and judiciary system reform.  From prevention measures to more victim resources, transitional issues to parole and probation, many areas touching our corrections and judicial system were addressed.

At the front end, SB2261 provided $336,000 for the successful Weed and Seed Program active in several Oahu communities.  These prevention funds will help operations which battle drug use and promote healthy drug-free programs and projects.

At the tail end, HB2226 provided $250,000 to codify the statewide automated victim information and notification system.  This program was initially started with federal funds, and will now be incorporated into our state government providing a valuable tool and resource for victims of crime to utilize.

SB2536 establishes a Clean and Sober Home and Halfway House Task Force to address issues and matters pertaining to these housing facilities and their impact on neighborhoods and residents.  Many released inmates end up in these halfway homes, and the homes are needed to help inmates as they transition from prison to a free society.

The reentry intake service centers were given new direction and work through SB2866.  Re-entry has taken a more visible role in the Abercrombie administration, and HB2599 will assist the department in creating a successful re-entry  component in our prison system.

The cornerstones of this session relating to corrections and judicial reform can be found in HB2515 and SB2776. HB2515 primarily changes our probation system by lowering probation terms from 5 to 4 years in certain situations and allowing certain 2nd time drug offenders to be released on probation.

The major changes for this session can be found in SB2776 which had support from Governor Abercrombie, the Hawaii Judiciary, Legislative leadership, and many legislators and stakeholders as well.  Improvements in the pre-trial detainee processing, two additional Paroling Authority Members, use of validated risk assessments, increases in victim restitution payments, and added staff positions in PSD will begin needed changes in our corrections system.

HB2599 reconstitutes the Re-entry Commission and will allow non-government stakeholders an opportunity to work with re-entry staff and monitor re-entry services.

Finally, SB2158 allows cash to be received on weekends to allow people to get out sooner versus later if they do not have access to cash.

One can see the wide spectrum of legislation which will impact and improve our corrections and judicial system. With changes and reform, the issue of returning the approximately 1700 inmates incarcerated on the mainland can truly begin. Eventually, the $45 million being spent on the mainland will be spent in Hawaii employing our residents, circulating in our local economy, and helping our inmates with their re-entry and rehabilitation efforts.

Moreover, the safety of our island residents is paramount, and these measures do not jeopardize public safety or endanger neighborhoods and communities.  Improvements and efficiencies in our corrections and judicial system will benefit our state and benefit all the people of Hawaii.

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Apr

17

Senate Bill 2247, Known as Kelsey’s Law, Makes its Way to the Governor’s Desk

Press Releases / Public Safety & Military Affairs

HONOLULU — A bill that will require cell phone or communication service providers to assist law enforcement agencies in determining the location of a cell phone in emergency situations is making its way to the Governor Abercrombie’s desk. The Senate passed the measure on final reading yesterday.

The public benefits by the improved capability of public safety agencies to obtain vital information quickly from cell phone providers when time is a factor in responding to an emergency or preventing death or serious bodily injury.

This is a major public safety measure for this session, especially when it comes to a matter of life or death,” said Sen. Will Espero, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, Government Affairs and Military Affairs. “We want to prevent an incident similar to what happened to Kelsey Smith from happening here. Safeguards are in place to make certain the law is not abused.”

Kelsey Smith was an 18-year-old Kansas woman who was kidnapped, raped and murdered in 2007. Police detectives reportedly found her body because a cell phone ping identified the area Smith was kidnapped and as a result, a number of search areas were determined. It is believed that if Verizon Wireless had turned over cell phone records on the day Smith was kidnapped, rather than sticking to its privacy policy, Smith may be alive today.

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