Category Archives: Uncategorized

U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye lying in state at the Hawaii State Capitol.

On Saturday, December 22, 2012, after a Christmas Party with friends in Hawaii Kai, my cousin Grant Karamatsu and I went to the Hawaii State Capitol from 11:30 P.M. to a little past midnight to pray to and thank U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye. I became teary when the soldiers escorted the casket away.

My thoughts are on my friend Brian Uy, wishing him a speedy recovery.

My dear friends, thank you for the birthday wishes! My wish for you is to have a life full of joy and happiness. Continue to share your love to others every single day, and together we will change this world. I love you all. With Warmest Aloha, Jon Riki Karamatsu.

On December 21, 2012, I cooked chili for the Christmas party for the Appellate Division of the Department of the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney that started at 11:30 A.M. in our library. At 5:15 P.M. I had my birthday dinner with my family at Alan Wong’s Restaurant. Later that evening, I spent some time with some of my good friends. I hada great birthday!

I want to thank my friend Hawaii State Representative Clift Tsuji of Hilo, Hawaii for having a gathering to celebrate my birthday early on December 20, 2012 from 6 p.m. with some of my friends.

Jon Riki Karamatsu and U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye on 10/08/2004 at Inouye’s campaign headquarters.

I am deeply saddened by the passing of U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye and I feel fortunate that I had the opportunity to work with him. In 1988, when I was 13 years old, I was inspired by Sen. Inouye when I read his book “Journey to Washington” while I was attending Pearl City High School. In 1996, I was moved by his speech to my University of Hawaii at Manoa Ethnic Studies class and got to meet him in person. From 2002 to 2010, I got to work with him and his staff when I served as a Hawaii State Representative. My favorite moment with Sen. Inouye was when he invited me to a reception at his beautiful suite in Waikiki on the evening of Saturday, October 23, 2010.

I am deeply saddened by the death of U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye.

On Friday, December 14, 2012, I attended the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Misdemeanor/Traffic Division’s Christmas Party held at our 10th floor conference room from 11:30 A.M. I practiced law in this division for 6 months in 2011 and 4 months in 2012 with a number of cases overlapping my legislative work and vice versa. We had food, games, gifts, and a dance performance by a staff member. I won a scrabble game, which is nice because I play so much “Words With Friends.”

On December 13, 2012, from 5:30 P.M., I attended the Celebration of the Birthday of the Emperor of Japan at the Consulate General of Japan’s residence in Honolulu, Hawaii. I saw a lot of old friends I made in the last decade. I had fun spending time with my friend, Hawaii State Representative Clift Tsuji of Hilo, Hawaii. Former Hawaii State Senator Norman Sakamoto was very kind in making a prayer for my personal life. After, I stopped by the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce’s event at Nocturna Lounge in Honolulu, Hawaii. I closed the evening with my friends Ryan Sanada, Dan Chen, and 2 new friends at Genius Lounge in Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii.

On Thursday, December 13, 2012, I was about to go to trial on an Assault 3 case where the Defendant and two others punched and kicked the victim numerous times until his face was puffed up and lip was bleeding. Last minute, the Defendant pled “no contest.” The judge granted 50 hours community service, 1 year probation under Deferred Acceptance of No Contest, restitution, anger management, stay away order from the victim, $55 Criminal Injuries Compensation Fee, and $75 Probation Fee. Considering the violent nature of the assault, I was disappointed that the judge didn’t grant our request for jail time.

Today, Sunday, December 9, 2012, I ran the Honolulu Marathon. I made my best time at 4:41:37 and placed 4204. It was a bit painful when I cramped out my legs after the 22nd mile so I had to walk a good portion of the remaining 4 miles. According to the Star Advertiser, 25,719 runners picked up their packets to run.

On Thursday, December 6, 2012 from 6:00 P.M., I attended a mixer by Hawaii State Bar Association’s (HSBA) Litigation, Business, Employment, ADR, and International Law sections at the Venue in downtown Honolulu.

2012 Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Legislative Package

1.  Enhanced penalties for defendant who violates a temporary restraining order and has a prior conviction of a violent crime. (House Bill 238 carried over from 2011 and became law as Act 206 in 2012).

2.  Enhanced penalties for defendant who violates an order for protection and has a prior conviction of a violent crime. Legislation carried over from 2011.

3.  Department of Health to give notification to the victim on the status of offender. Legislation carried over from 2011.

4.  Increase per diem for neighbor island and out-of-state witnesses coming to Oahu. Legislation carried over from 2011.

5.  Appropriations to Department of the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney for State-mandated programs: Career Criminal Prosecution Unit, prosecution in Drug Court, Hawaii’s Opportunity Probation with Enforcement Program, and Victim Witness Assistance Program. (House Bill 246 carried over from 2011 and became law as Act 322 in 2012).

6.  Mandatory minimum sentencing for certain offenses against persons 60 years of age or older. Legislation carried over from 2011.

7.  Person convicted of property theft over $100,000 may not be sentenced to probation. Legislation carried over from 2011.

8.  Add felonies for which criminal charges may be instituted by written information including habitual property crime, unauthorized entry in a dwelling in the first or second degree, and theft of copper.

9.  Correct violation of privacy laws (surveillance of another in stage of undress or sexual activity to be in 1st degree and all other surveillance to be in 2nd degree). (House Bill 1772 became law as Act 59 in 2012).

10. Accused to transport witness because he or she has sole custody of the witness.

11. Excluding abuse of family or household members from Rule 48 of the Hawaii Rules of Penal Procedure where cases are dismissed either without prejudice or with prejudice if they are not set for trial within 6 months.

12. Within the defense law of justifiable use of force on minors for discipline, our bill makes it clear that certain acts are an unjustifiable use of force.

13. Allows electronic communication service providers to voluntarily disclose electronic communications to governmental agency where an emergency involving danger of death or serious physical injury to any person requires such disclosure without delay. (Senate Bill 2247 became law as Act 94 in 2012).

14. Long-arm statute for production of records in other states. (House Bill 1777 became law as Act 325 in 2012).

15. Increases penalties for unauthorized access to computer 1st degree, 2nd degree, and 3rd degree. (Act 1788 became law as Act 293 in 2012).

16. Restitution for victims – Increase deductions from prisoners’ earnings; Withhold from prisoners’ taxes; Removes court’s authority to revoke restitution once ordered.

17. Appropriation to Judiciary for 2 judges for domestic violence cases since there is a backlog of cases.

18. Appropriation for Family Justice Center.

19.  Involuntary Hospitalization for Sexually Violent Predators. Legislation carried over from 2011.

2011 Prosecuting Attorney Legislative Package

1. TRO Violation – Enhanced penalties for defendant who violates a TRO and have a prior conviction of a violent crime. (House Bill 238 became law as Act 206 in 2012).
2. Order for Protection Violation – Enhanced penalties for defendants who violate an order for protection and have prior conviction of a violent crime.
3. Promoting Prostitution – Include as a high priority in witness protection program. (House Bill 240 became law as Act 145 in 2011).
4. Promoting Prostitution – Increase penalties. (House Bill 240 became law as Act 145 in 2011).
5. Prostitution – Increase penalty for “Johns” offenders for Habitual Solicitation of prostitution where it is a 3rd conviction for the defendant within 5 years. Keeps prostitute offenders penalty the same as a pettty misdemeanor. (House Bill 240 became law as Act 145 in 2011).
6. Animal Cruelty: 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.” Exempts societies that protect animals and government from the statute. (Senate Bill 1068 became law as Act 135 in 2011).
7. Victim notification of defendant’s status.
8. Increase Per Diem for Witnesses who travel from another island or State to Oahu for court.
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. (House Bill 246 became law as Act 322 in 2012).
10. Civil Commitment for Violent Sexual Predators: Defines “sexually violent predator.” Prosecuting attorney of the appropriate county can initiate the proceeding for involuntary hospitalization. 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.

I attended Leighton and Cori Hara’s twin sons Cade & Colton’s 1st Birthday party at Fort Shafter on Saturday, December 1, 2012 from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M.

This morning, wednesday, November 28, 2012 from 8:30 A.M. to 12:00 P.M., I was in Honolulu Criminal Court, Courtroom 7D tracking an Assault 3 case because the defendant in that case is a co-defendant for my Assault 3 case that has been continued. The Deputy Prosecuting Attorney calling the calendar for the courtroom and a supervising Deputy Prosecuting Attorney went to trial on a Harassment by Physical Contact case and the witness who had to take the stand had a young baby. When the baby cried, I took her out of the courtroom and rocked her until she was relaxed. Thanks to my baby niece Elyse, I got some practice for this emergency situation. The Deputy Prosecuting Attorney won her first criminal trial today! I was very proud of her!

Last night on Saturday, November 24, 2012, I attended the wedding for Shawn and Sheehan Ueda at Pacific Beach Hotel. Shawn is my second cousin.

I was about to go to trial on an Assault 3 case today, November 21, 2012, but I got the conviction when last minute, defense pled “no contest.” The witnesses and I were pleased with the result.

On the evening of Sunday, November 18, 2012, I had dinner with my mom, dad, and younger sister Lara. After, we video-called my younger sister Mia and baby Elyse who are in San Mateo, California.

I had a good time with members of the 100th Battalion and friends today, November 15, 2012 from 11:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at Club 100. 100th Battalion Veteran Paul Watanabe told me stories of his good friend and battalion colleague, Goro Sumida.

Attached is a short film on Goro Sumida, a 100th Battalion veteran created by my friend Stacey Hayashi. Stacey did a wonderful job on another film on Goro at his funeral on November 12, 2012, 5:30 P.M. at Hosoi Garden Mortuary in Honolulu, Hawaii. Goodbye Goro . . . until I see you again.

I am saddened by the passing of my friend Leighton Goro Sumida, a 100th Battalion veteran of World War II who was known by many as “Goro.” I attended his funeral tonight, November 12, 2012 from 5:30 P.M. at Hosoi Garden Mortuary in Honolulu, Hawaii. Goro was born on March 19, 1920 and died on October 25, 2012 at the age of 92. I was fortunate to have become friends with him in the mid-2000s. I drank with him and the other 100th Battalion veterans at Club 100 and Hanagasa Inn. Goro also invited me to drink with him and his other friends at the Ala Wai Golf Course. I will always cherish the stories he shared with me. He was always laughing, telling jokes, and full of life. With Goro, you just bond with him the moment you meet him. Like many of his family and friends, I will miss him.

100th Battalion Veteran Leighton “Goro” Sumida with Jon Riki Karamatsu on June 6, 2012 at an event at Iolani Palace. Goro signed his picture for Jon in a book on the 100th Battalion.

I attended service for Honolulu Jodo Mission at 10:00 A.M. and chaired the Honolulu Jodo Mission board of directors meeting at 11:45 A.M. on SUnday, November 11, 2012.

I attended the Haleiwa Jodo Mission 100th Anniversary service at the Haleiwa temple on Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. and the dinner at Tukiji Restaurant at 5:00 P.M.

I want to thank my former colleague in the Hawaii State House of Representatives, Lieutenant Governor Brian Schatz for taking me out to lunch at Cafe Julia in downtown Honolulu today, November 9, 2012 at 12:00 P.M. I look forward to working with him on future projects.

Hawaii Lieutenant Governor Brian Schatz and Honolulu Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jon Riki Karamatsu on 11/9/2012.

Honolulu Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tricia Nakamatsu, head of Ala Kuola, Ed Flores, and Honolulu Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jon Riki Karamatsu.

On Thursday, November 8, 2012 from 11:30 A.M., I attended the blessing of Ala Kuola in Honolulu that services people who need temporary restraining orders and other services. I am with Honolulu Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tricia Nakamatsu and Executive Director of Ala Kuola, Ed Flores.

On the evening of Wednesday, October 31, 2012, I attended the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation Convention reception at Alan Wong’s Restaurant in Ala Moana Shopping Center.

Thank you for your support of Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith M. Kaneshiro. I am pictured with Keith at his headquarters in Honolulu on November 6, 2012, election night. We will do all we can to protect the community from crime.

Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith M. Kaneshiro and Honolulu Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jon Riki Karamatsu at Kaneshiro’s campaign headquarters on election night, November 6, 2012.

I won a peddling in Waikiki trial, which is a violation on October 31, 2012 in Honolulu District Court. However, I felt bad because I convicted my friend’s friend.

Television commercial for Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith M. Kaneshiro 2012 re-election:

For Honolulu Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys litigating in the district courts, we have hundreds of cases a week that we are either screening to charge, typing complaints, screening to ensure staff subpoenas the necessary witnesses, typing substantive memos in opposition to opposing counsels’ motions, typing technical motions, re-filing due to dismissals by the court, and preparing for trial. In some situations, Honolulu Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys can have up to a 100 cases in a single court hearing. In Honolulu District Criminal Court, we can have up to 30 criminal cases in a court hearing. When we have huge caseloads in a court hearing, we can have many private attorneys coming in with their one or two cases and Public Defender attorneys with their bunch of cases, and we have to be ready to argue all cases against all of the attorneys before the judge. Moreover, a number of district court judges can be temperamental and impatient, especially if we have to go to trial since it is common knowledge that some judges just want to go home as soon as possible. For those judges who are temperamental and impatient, they take their anger out on the Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys since it is the deputy prosecutors who call the cases on the calendar. I think every judge in the district courts should experience calling cases then maybe some of them could hopefully become more humble and abide by the Rules of Judicial Conduct that they are required to uphold. The pressures of being a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in the district courts is like a right of passage that creates a brotherhood and sisterhood among us prosecutors because we respect the hardship that we all had to endure. I am honored to be a part of this great group of attorneys serving the people of Hawaii.

On Friday, October 12, 2012, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Allen Yadao and I treated fellow Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tricia Nakamatsu to a belated birthday dinner ar Town Restaurant in Kaimuki, Hawaii.

On Friday, October 12, 2012, from 2 P.M. to 3:30 P.M., I attended the Veteran’s Court Committee meeting at Judge Kubo’s office in the Circuit Court, Oahu First Circuit.

On Thursday, October 11, 2012, from 7:30 P.M., I attended the “Meet Up! Inaugural University of Hawaii Alumni Mixer” at the M The New Standard in Restaurant Row, Honolulu, Hawaii.

On Wednesday, October 10, 2012, from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M., I attended the Law Enforcement Coalition meeting at the Hawaii State Office Tower.