Monthly Archives: June 2015

This song helps me to come up with 10 ideas a day, and overcome failures and experiences with negative people.

Daily goals and 10 ideas a day!

To all my friends going through hard times,

We always come back. Even death won’t stop us. Our work will live on.

Always, Jon

June 24, 2015

Hi Everyone!

Thanks for stopping by. It’s amazing how fast time goes by. I’ve been writing in this journal since December 2002, just after my entrance into State politics. In that year, I also started my first business, an Internet retail store selling Hawaiian or island-themed products. I created this journal so I could share my political journey, as well as my experience in business and life in general. I’ve enjoyed not just sharing legislation and business projects, but also my interest in the arts and popular culture.

Now that I’m taking a break from public service – elected and appointed office, I’m going to put all my efforts, ideas, and passion into my business projects. I’m working on a few with my friends right now. I will also advocate hard on behalf of businesses that need help with transactions, legislation, grants, and other issues.

As far as my journal, I’ll continue to write about public policy every so often, but my main focus will be about positive living. I will highlight services or products that can help us to achieve a more happy and fulfilling life. Of course positive living is a practice and it starts with each of us, but if we can better ourselves by learning from others or utilizing products to help us stay on course, then its worth the try. I will also post music, art, and writings that can lift your spirit. Basically, I will do my best to showcase things that can be of value to your life. Take care, stay positive, and make the most of every moment.

With Warmest Aloha,

Jon Riki Karamatsu

Love stories are what keeps me living for more, and someday I want to share them with you.

Dear Friends,

On April 8, 2015, I officially stepped down as Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and Legislative Liaison of the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney of the City and County of Honolulu. Prosecuting Attorney Keith M. Kaneshiro and I met while I was serving as Judiciary Chair in the Hawaii State House of Representatives. He has been a great mentor and friend to me. I will always cherish my time in his administration for it had allowed me to finish a number of my goals to reduce violence, especially in the areas of assault and rape.

I’m taking a break from public service, a passion I’ve had since my days as a Boy Scout and student government leader. Instead, I’m focusing on several business projects that can play a role in bringing joy in people’s lives in addition to generating revenue for our State and nation. Further, I will advocate for companies who need help with contracts, commercial leases, grants, bonds, tax credits, or changes in the laws/rules. Lastly, I’ll consider some legal defense work. I’m currently working with an events company, agriculture company, and bar. Through the private sector, I’ll work as hard as I can to play a small role in making our world happier and our economy as vibrant as it can be. Thank you for your kind words and thoughts.

Below is my letter of April 7, 2015 to Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith M. Kaneshiro, requesting to step down as Deputy Prosecuting Attorney of the City and County of Honolulu:

April 7, 2015

Dear Prosecuting Attorney Kaneshiro,

At this time, I am submitting my letter of resignation as Deputy Prosecuting Attorney of the City and County of Honolulu. With the intense media coverage on my pending OVUII case, I do not want to be a distraction to the work of the department.

I thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. While here, I was able to achieve 736 convictions (715 plea convictions and 21 trial convictions) and fulfill some personal goals through my work on criminal cases and legislation dealing with domestic violence, sexual assault, and other violent crimes. Over the years, there have been many people who have confided in me about their experiences with violence. When I was a young college student, a female friend told me about how she was raped as a teenager, though she never reported it to law enforcement. I was emotionally impacted by her plight, and told her that, someday, I would fight against violence by working in law and politics. I have now fulfilled my promise, and dedicate my work to her and the many other survivors of violence.

I have really enjoyed working with you, your administrative team, and our legislative team: Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tricia Nakamatsu, Victim Witness Advocate Division Director Dennis Dunn, Clerk Julia Kaneshiro, former Clerk Maria Stevens, and former Clerk Paul Lacuesta. Together, in the past four-and-a-half years, we worked to introduce and pass 18 bills on behalf of this department, and helped to reestablish state-funding, in the amount of over $2 million, that allowed continued participation in the many state-mandated programs that this department has had to shoulder. We were not only great team members, but also great friends.

I have also enjoyed working with all of the other attorneys and staff who have served in our department. I am grateful for the wonderful memories that I have shared with many of them.

Lastly, I wanted to express my appreciation for your mentorship and encouragement over the past four-and-a-half years, which allowed me to do my best work in litigation and lobbying the legislature. Your support has always meant a great deal to me, especially when I had a challenging time at court or at the legislature. Thank you again, for giving me the opportunity to work in your administration.

With Warmest Aloha,

Jon Riki Karamatsu

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
City and County of Honolulu

After attending a meeting for a facility for an event, I went to the National Eagle Scout Association Summer Bash 2015 mixer at Longhi’s restaurant in Ala Moana Shopping Center.  It’s a social where Eagle Scouts can talk and network.  I won a portable cooler for a drawing.

On June 16, 2015, the U.S. Women’s Soccer team defeated Nigeria 1 – 0 in the Women’s World Cup to advance out of their bracket.

I dedicate this song to my two wonderful nieces: 2 year-old Elyse and 3 month-old Sophie.  They inspire me so much.  I want to make this world more peaceful for them.  In March 2015, my mom, dad, younger sister Lara, and I visited the Bay Area, California to be with my younger sister Mia, brother-in-law Mike, and niece Elyse to await the arrival of Sophie.  Several times I played with Elyse as she pushed her wooden animals in a wooden truck on the floor of the living room.  She called the animals “aminals” just like the title of this song “Aminals” by Baths.  I just happened to listen to this song this afternoon as I worked on the edits of my first novel, a paranormal romance that takes place in Hawaii and a spiritual realm where spirits are trapped.  The song made me think of my two nieces who I wish I could see more often even though I Skype with them almost weekly with my mom, dad, and baby sister Lara. It’s just not the same as seeing them in person.

Jon holding his newborn niece Sophie on March 7, 2015 at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco.

Jon and his 2-year old niece Elyse watching an animated movie on March 15, 2015 in San Mateo, California.

Jon playing with his 2-year old niece Elyse with her “aminals” as she called them on March 25, 2015 in San Mateo, California.

The U.S. Women’s Soccer Team did a good job against Sweden despite getting a tie of 0 – 0 on Friday, June 12, 2015 at Winnipeg Stadium in Winnipeg, Canada.

The U.S. Women’s Soccer team did well against Australia in the Women’s World Cup at Winnipeg Stadium in Winnipeg, Canada, winning 3 – 1 on Monday, June 8, 2015. I got to see the game on television as my business partners and I conducted our meeting for event planning.

I dream of stories that move the hearts of people to live with love and compassion rather than with anger, enough so that they make the world more peaceful.

I envision music events that bring people together, putting smiles on faces and giving them joy even if it’s for just a moment.

I believe in agricultural products that are enjoyed around the world and every time people take a bite, they know it’s from Hawaii.

After a 6 hour meeting from noon, followed by a dinner at Akasaka on June 8, 2015, G, James, and I ending the day at The Dragon Upstairs. G is spinning old school hip hop.