Recapping the 2011-2012 Legislature: 2011 Prosecuting Attorney Legislative Package

The 2011-2012 Legislature was great to work with. Below are the bills we proposed for the 2011 Legislative Session:

2011 Prosecuting Attorney Legislative Package

1. TRO Violation – Enhanced penalties for prior conviction of violent crime against a family or household member.
2. Order for Protection Violation – Enhanced penalties for prior conviction of violent crime against a family or household member.
3. Promoting Prostitution – Included as a high priority in witness protection program.
4. Promoting Prostitution – Increased penalties.
   1. Promoting prostitution in the first degree – Increase penalty to class A felony from class B felony.
   2. Promoting prostitution in the second degree – Increase penalty to class B felony from class C felony.
   3. Promoting prostitution in the third degree – Increase penalty to class C felony from misdemeanor.
5. Prostitution
   1. “Johns” offenders’ penalty increased to a class C felony (Habitual Solicitation of prostitution).
   2. Kept prostitute offenders penalty to a “petty misdemeanor.”
6. Animal Cruelty
   1. Amends section 711-1108.5, HRS, cruelty to animals in the first degree, by adding “kills or attempts to kill any animal belonging to another person without first obtaining legal authority or consent of that person.”
   2. Exempts societies that protect animals and government from the statute.
7. Victim Notification
8. Increase Per Diems for Witnesses
9. Grant-In-Aid appropriation for department of the prosecuting attorney for 5 prosecuting attorney positions for career criminal prosecution, 1 deputy prosecuting attorney position for drug court prosecution,  1 deputy prosecuting attorney for Hawaii’s Opportunity Probation with Enforcement (HOPE), and victim witness assistance program.
10. Civil Commitment for Violent Sexual Predators  
    1. Defines “sexually violent predator.”
    2. Prosecuting attorney of the appropriate county can initiate the proceeding for involuntary hospitalization.
    3. Requires one licensed psychiatrist or psychologist to be an expert on sexually violent predators.
11. Crimes Against Elders – Mandatory Minimum Sentencing
12. No Probation if Defendant Commits Theft of Property Exceeding $100,000.