Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu
House Floor Written Remarks
February 12, 2009
House Bill 622, House Draft 1
Relating to Harassment by Stalking
I rise in support.
The purpose of this measure is to update Hawaii’s harassment by stalking law to keep up with technology by including the definition of electronic communication as defined in the Hawaii Revised Statutes section 711-1111(2), which means any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photoelectronic, or photo-optical system. Unfortunately, many individuals are stalking others through the Internet, which is not just accessible through computers, but now through our cellular phones. Harassment by stalking can cause annoyance, mental distress, and fear for one’s safety. It is our goal to reduce harassment done in person or through technology. Thank you.
JON RIKI KARAMATSU 