JON RIKI KARAMATSU

Today, Thursday, June 5, 2016, I litigated and won 2 cases where the Defendant was in Kuhio Beach Park when it was closed in violation of section 10-1.2(a)(12) of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu.

When it comes to negative people, just handle them as best as you can, and move above them so they can’t pull you down. – Jon Riki Karamatsu, 6/3/2014 –

Goals give me a purpose to live. – Jon Riki Karamatsu, 6/3/2014 –

I constantly seek the high I get from Love, Exercise, Goals, and Achievements. – Jon Riki Karamatsu, 6/3/2014 –

Last night, May 30, 2014, I attended the Nijikai at Pagoda Restaurant that was put together by the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce. I was with my friends, Ryan Sanada, Dan Chen, Nina Furukawa, and Erika Kimura. I saw my sister Lara who is on the board of directors. It was a really good event.

This week Tuesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 29, 2014 in the morning and afternoon, I’ve been handling the criminal misdemeanor cases in Honolulu District Court 7D and 7A.  Today, May 29, 2014, I won my fourth Assault in the Third degree trial where a young man punched and pushed an older man several times in Waikiki.  I feel fortunate to be undefeated in assault trials.

In the afternoon, I sign-waved for Shan Tsutsui for Lt. Governor of Hawaii in front of the Hawaii State Capitol.  After that, I attended the Retail Merchants of Hawaii mixer at the IBM Building’s courtyard with my friend Allen Yadao.

On Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25, 2014, I attended the Hawaii State Democratic Convention held at the Sheraton Waikiki hotel with my friend Brandon Mitsuda. It was so nice to see so many old friends and I made some new ones as well. I have a number of friends running for different offices, so this year will be exciting!

I attended the Democratic Party of Hawaii’s Honolulu County Convention at Moanalua High School on Saturday, May 3, 2014 from 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.

On Friday, April 11, 2014, from 6:00 P.M., I attended the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law 40th Anniversary Kanikapila with Tricia Nakamatsu that was held on the lawn in front of Iolani Palace’s barracks. After, I went with Brandon Mitsuda to the Boys Bunch’s April Foolish event for Make a Wish held at M and outside by Row Bar.

I left Hawaii with my family (mom, dad, sister Lara, sister Mia, brother-in-law Mike, and niece Elyse) on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 and arrived in Japan on March 26, 2014.  We returned to Honolulu, Hawaii on Thursday, April 3, 2014.

Wed. 3/26/14 – We ate bentos from Family Mart for dinner.

Thurs. 3/27/14 – We ate breakfast at Osaka station and visited Osaka castle during the morning and then caught a train to Nara Park in Nara, Japan. We eat a green tea kochi with azuki inside in Nara town.  We returned to Osaka city and ate ramen (thick broth) near our hotel.

Fri. 3/28/14 – My family and I took a train from Osaka to Kyoto. We arrived at Kyoto Station and got settled at New Miyako Hotel. I found a restaurant in Kyoto Station that served traditional Kyoto cuisine. I had a ochazuke with raw fish – very tasty.

Saturday, 3/29/14 – We went to Fushimi Inari Shrine, a Shinto shrine that has many toris and a trail that goes up the mountain. It was a very nice hike and my whole family made it to the top.

We went back to Kyoto Station and dad and I picked up bentos. My mom, Mia, Mike, Elyse, and Lara bought bakery goods.

In the evening, we went to Kyomizu-dera. It was my 2nd time there and it was beautiful! The temple had a search light in the mountain above the temple. There were cherry blossom trees and others that were lighted. The view was beautiful from the top of the temple.  We had dinner at a sukiyaki all-you can eat restaurant.  My sister Mia and her family went back to the hotel early.

Sunday, 3/30/14 – We ate breakfast at Kyoto Station. I had a croissant sandwich and coffee. I also picked up kochi donuts – one strawberry sugar and another seemed to be honey-flavored.

At about 11 A.M. – We caught a train from Kyoto to Osaka. Then at about noon, we departed on a shinkansen or bullet train heading from Osaka to Hiroshima.  I reserved a dinner for our family at an oyster restaurant near one of Hiroshima’s rivers about a mile away from the Hiroshima train station.

Monday, 3/31/14 – My dad, mom, Lara, and I visited the Hiroshima castle.  There were come beautiful cherry blossom trees there.  Meanwhile, Mike visited the Peace Museum.  My dad and I ate okonimiyaki while my sister Lara something else and my mom ate soba noodles.  For dinner, my mom, dad, Lara, and I went to a restaurant near our hotel.  I tried the hamburger with gravy dish for the first time.

Tuesday, 4/1/14 – We traveled by train from Hiroshima to Yudaonsen and stayed at Hotel Matsumasa in rooms 656 and 657.  The meal at the hotel was fantastic.  I went into the onset that night, both the indoor and outdoor ones.

Wednesday, 4/2/14 – We had breakfast at the hotel, the had Elyse play at a playground where the was  a food onset that I tried.  The cherry blossoms at the park were beautiful.  We caught the train to Oshima area where we took 2 cabs to Oshima town to visit my ancestors at the Jodo Shu temple there.  We took the train to Hakata Station in Fukuoaka city and ate ramen at the station.  That night, Lara and I walked to Canal City (shopping center) and back at the department stores at the station.

Thursday 4/3/14 – We all walked to Canal City and the department stores at Hakata Station.  We ate Kyobashi raimen at Canal City’s ramen city.  Elyse enjoyed playing with the shooting water.  Caught the evening flight out of Fukuoka airport to Honolulu Airport.

On Thursday, March 20, 2014, I attended the 2014 Chaminade University Criminal Justice Expo held at their campus from 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.  Also with me was Honolulu Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tricia Nakamatsu and Victim Witness Advocate Volunteer Coordinator Jodie Maesaka-Hirata.

On Friday, March 14, 2014 from 8:30 A.M. to about noon, I participated in Career Day at Hanalani Schools, a Christian private school located in Mililani.  My friend Liz Hata invited me who has her children attending the school.  I spoke to two groups of 9th to 12th grade students and told them about my background, education, and career such as my service in the Hawaii State House of Representatives, selling Hawaiian themed products when I owned an Internet retail business, lobbying and litigating for the Department of the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney, and my new project in helping to put together a music festival with my friend who is a promoter.  I also told the students that I recently finished writing a paranormal romance novel.  I encouraged them to enjoy learning, try new things, and shoot for their dreams.

I explained to students the importance of learning and working hard, but also the importance of building relationships through love and compassion.  I shared how positive leaders have loyal and lasting friendships regardless if he or she has power, while a negative leader who yells and screams often times has very little support when he or she loses power.  I pointed out the importance of knowledge, but emphasized that it is even more important to be a good person.

On Wednesday, March 7, 2014 at 7:00 pm, I attended the Democratic Party of Hawaii District 37 meeting at Mililani High School.  Four of us met for Precinct 37-04 (Waikele) and I was chosen to be Vice President so I am an automatic delegate to the Democratic Party of Hawaii County Convention.  I was also selected to be a delegate to the Democratic Party of Hawaii State Convention.

On Saturday, March 1, 2014, I attended the funeral for my friend John Inamine’s dad at Hosoi.  My thoughts are with him and his family.

On Thursday, February 20, 2014 from 9:00 A.m. to 10:30 A.M., I took students from high schools from across the State, mostly from Mililani High School around the the Hawaii State Capitol.  First, I showed them the Hawaii State Senate and House Chambers.  Then we went to the Governor’s office and Lieutenant Governor’s Office.  Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui made a suprise appearance for the students.  I joked to the students and told them that they could vote for him someday when he runs for Governor.  I’m supporting Shan in his re-election bid for Lieutenant Governor and I will support him to be our Governor in 2018 or 2020, depending on what happens in the elections this year.  After, I took the students to the 4th, 3rd, and 2nd floors in that order.  I had Hawaii State Representatives Lauren Cheape Matsumoto, Beth Fukumoto, and Kaniela Ing, as well as Honoulu Councilman Stanley Chang talk to the students.  My dad, Richard Karamatsu was helping his friend Mr. Eric Kanemoto, a teacher in escorting the students.  I hope the student enjoyed themselves and were inspired to play a role in making our world better.

2014 Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Bills (* and Bold = Alive) for the First Lateral Deadline of 2/14/14 

*HB1639 CPC, JUD – Unlicensed Contractors Fraud

*HB1640 JUD – Computer Damage 

*HB1641 JUD – Production of Stored Communication

*HB1642 JUD – Revenge Porn

HB1643 CPC, JUD – Pen Register to Include Cell Phones

*HB1644 JUD – Computer Theft (Includes Cell Phones, Tablets, etc.)

HB1645 PBS, JUD – Repeat Offender Property Crimes

HB1646 PBS, FIN – New Prison

*HB1647 HD1 JUD, FIN – Honolulu Prosecutor Appropriation

SB2093 CPN, JDL – Unlicensed Contractor Fraud

*SB2094 SD1 TEC, JDL – Computer Damage

*SB2095 TEC, JDL – Production of Stored Communication

SB2096 JDL – Revenge Porn

*SB2097 TEC, JDL – Pen Register to Include Cell Phones

*SB2098 JDL – Computer Theft (Includes Cell Phones, Tablets, etc.)

SB2099 JDL, WAM – Repeat Offender Property Crimes

SB2100 PSM, WAM – New Prison

SB2101 PSM/JDL, WAM – Honolulu Prosecutor Appropriation

*SB2076 CPN, JDL (Hee) – Unlicensed Contractor Fraud

SB2027 PSM/EGH, WAM (Hee) – New Prison

*HB2080 HD1 JUD, FIN (McKelvey) – Computer Theft (Includes Cell Phones, Tablets, etc.) – JUD took most of our language

*HB1750 JUD (Mizuno) – Revenge Porn

Key 2013 Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Bills (* and Bold = Alive) for the First Lateral Deadline of 2/14/14

*HB236 HD1 JUD, FIN – Victim notification

*HB237 HD1 – Alternative Schools Appropriation

*SB419 SD1 – Alternative Schools Appropriation

*SB421 JDL – Enhanced Sentences Multiple Victims

*SB422 JDL – Mandatory Minimum Imprisonment w/o Possibility Parole/Probation for Certain Sex Assaults of Minor Under the Age of 12

*SB869 HTH/PSM/JDL – Victim notification

*SB873 SD2 HD1 CONFERENCE (Hee) – Collection of Restitution

*SB879 SD1 HD1 CONFERENCE (Hee) – Increase Witness Per Diem

*SB880 SD1 HD1 PBS, JUD (Hee) – Mandatory Minimum Imprisonment w/o Possibility Parole/Probation for Certain Sex Assaults of Minor Under the Age of 12 

Today, Monday, February 17, 2014, I ran the Great Aloha Run for the 6th straight year with a time of 1:09:08, short of my 2013 time of 1:03:46. It rained a bit, but it was still a fun run!

On Sunday, February 16, 2014, I attended the Association of Chinese from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos’ ANNUAL SPRING BANQUET at Empress Restaurant, Chinese Cultural Center, Honolulu, Hawaii.  I spoke to Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa, Hawaii Speaker Calvin K.Y. Say, Hawaii State Representative Karl Rhoads, and Honolulu Councilman Stanley Chang.

On Wednesday, January 29, 2014, from 5:45 P.M., I attended a Chinese New Year Party hosted by a couple of friends of mine held at Mandalay Restaurant in downtown, Honolulu, Hawaii.  It was great to see so many friends I’ve made over the years and I made a few new friends as well.

On Sunday, January 26, 2014, I spoke at the Jodo Mission of Hawaii’s General Membership Meeting after the 10:00 A.M. service.  After, we had the Shinnenkai or New Year’s party at our social hall where we ate lunch, had luck number drawings, and played bingo.

On Saturday, January 25, 2014, Honolulu Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tricia Nakamatsu, Victim Witness Advocate Director of our office, and I spoke to the Children’s Alliance of Hawaii, Inc. about the legislative process and some issues pertaining to them.

2014 Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Legislative Package

HB1639, SB2093, and SB2076 RELATING TO UNLICENSED CONTRACTOR FRAUD.
Clarifies the offense of unlicensed contractor fraud by specifying that the “intent to deprive” may be formed before or after the person obtains or exerts control over the property of another.

HB1640 and SB2094 RELATING TO COMPUTER DAMAGE.
Redefines the offense of computer damage in the first degree as intentionally causing or attempting to cause damage to a critical infrastructure computer and increases it to a class A felony; defines “critical infrastructure computer”. Redefines the offense of computer damage in the second degree. Creates a new offense of computer damage in the third degree.

HB1641 and SB2095 RELATING TO GOVERNMENTAL ACCESS TO STORED COMMUNICATIONS.
Requires law enforcement to obtain: (1) a search warrant to compel production of the contents of electronic communications; and (2) a court order to compel production of historical transactional records.

HB1642 and SB2096 RELATING TO VIOLATION OF PRIVACY.
Broadens the offense of violation of privacy in the first degree to include distributing images of the intimate body parts of another, with intent to cause serious emotional distress.

HB1643 and SB2097 RELATING TO PEN REGISTERS.
Amends the definition of “pen register” to include cell phones and other communication devices among those that the numbers transmitted to and from may be recorded.

HB1644 and SB2098 RELATING TO THEFT OF COMPUTERS.
Broadens the offense of theft in the second degree to include theft of a computer.

HB1645 and SB2099 RELATING TO REPEAT OFFENDERS.
Amends section 706-606.5(4), HRS, to extend misdemeanor repeat offender sentencing to any misdemeanor offense under chapter 708, HRS (property crimes). Increases the relevant period for prior convictions from 3 years to 5 years and increases the length of imprisonment from 9 months to 3 years.

HB1646, SB2100, and SB2027 RELATING TO CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES.
Appropriates funds for FY 2014-2015 for the department of public safety to build and operate a new medium-security correctional facility.

HB1647, SB2101, and SB2028 RELATING TO APPROPRIATIONS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU.
Appropriates funds to the department of the prosecuting attorney of the city and county of Honolulu for the career criminal prosecution unit, victim witness assistance program, veterans court, drug court, and Hawaii’s opportunity probation with enforcement program. Effective 07/01/14. These are all programs that were mandated by the State of Hawaii and has increased the costs and personnel for the Department of the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney.

Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Carry-Over Bills from 2013

HB232 RELATING TO SENTENCE OF IMPRISONMENT FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A MINOR UNDER THE AGE OF TWELVE YEARS.
Requires the court to impose a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment without possibility of parole or probation for a person convicted of certain acts of sexual assault against a minor under the age of 12 years. (H ) 1/31/2013 – The committee(s) on JUD recommend(s) that the measure be deferred. (JUD, FIN)

SB422 RELATING TO SENTENCE OF IMPRISONMENT FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A MINOR UNDER THE AGE OF TWELVE YEARS.
Requires the court to impose a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment without possibility of parole or probation for a person convicted of certain acts of sexual assault against a minor under the age of 12 years. (S ) 1/22/2013 – Referred to JDL.

SB880 SD1 HD2 RELATING TO SENTENCE OF IMPRISONMENT FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A MINOR UNDER THE AGE OF TWELVE YEARS.
Requires the court to impose a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment without possibility of parole or probation for a person convicted of certain acts of sexual assault against a minor under the age of twelve years. Effective July 1, 2050.

HB233 RELATING TO COMMERCIAL DOG BREEDERS.
Establishes licensing requirements and minimum standards of care for commercial dog breeders. Effective 07/01/2013. (H ) 2/1/2013 – The committee(s) on EDB recommend(s) that the measure be deferred. (EDB, JUD/CPC)

SB414 SD2 RELATING TO COMMERCIAL DOG BREEDERS.
(H ) 3/7/2013 – Referred to EDB, CPC/JUD.

HB234 HD1 RELATING TO COLLECTION OF RESTITUTION FOR CRIME VICTIMS.
Creates standards and procedures for income-withholding for purposes of enforcing restitution orders. Extends victims’ access to adult probation records for purposes of enforcing restitution orders. Applies bail court-ordered restitution case. Appropriation. Effective July 1, 2112. (H ) 2/8/2013 – Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on JUD. (CPC, JUD, FIN)

SB 415 RELATING TO COLLECTION OF RESTITUTION FOR CRIME VICTIMS.
Amends the definition of “debt” in section 231-52, HRS, to include court-ordered restitution subject to civil enforcement. Removes court’s authority to revoke restitution once ordered. Creates standards and procedures for income-withholding, for purposes of enforcing restitution orders. Extends victims’ access to adult probation records, to include access to payment compliance records, for purposes of enforcing restitution orders. Requires that any bail posted by a defendant be applied toward payment of any court-ordered restitution in the same case. (S ) 1/22/2013 – Referred to JDL, WAM.

SB873 SD2 HD1 Collection of Restitution for Crime Victims; Appropriation RELATING TO COLLECTION OF RESTITUTION FOR CRIME VICTIMS.
Creates standards and procedures for income-withholding for purposes of enforcing restitution orders. Amends the definition of “debt” relating to the recovery of money owed to the State to include court-ordered restitution subject to civil enforcement. Provides priority of income withholding orders. Extends victims’ access to adult probation records to include access to payment compliance records. Requires that any bail posted by a defendant be applied toward payment of any court-ordered restitution in the same case. Makes an unspecified appropriation to the Judiciary. Effective July 1, 2013. (S ) 4/26/2013 – Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 04-26-13 4:15PM in conference room 325.

HB236 HD1 RELATING TO THE RIGHTS OF VICTIMS.
Requires that crime victims, or their immediate surviving family members, receive notice of a determination that an offender is unfit to stand trial and any subsequent discharge or commitment, and the offender’s unauthorized absences. (H ) 2/15/2013 – Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN. (JUD, FIN)

SB417 RELATING TO THE RIGHTS OF VICTIMS.
Amends crime victims’ bill of rights to include notice as to an offender’s unfitness to stand trial, transfer to the state hospital or other psychiatric facility, or regaining fitness to proceed. Requires the department of health to provide notice of an offender’s unauthorized absences to the department of the prosecuting attorney in the county where the crime was committed. (S ) 1/22/2013 – Referred to HTH/PSM, JDL.

SB869 RELATING TO THE RIGHTS OF VICTIMS.
Amends crime victims’ bill of rights to include notice as to an offender’s unfitness to stand trial, transfer to the state hospital or other psychiatric facility, or regaining fitness to proceed. Requires the department of health to provide notice of an offender’s unauthorized absences to the department of the prosecuting attorney in the county where the crime was committed. (S ) 2/13/2013 – Re-Referred to HTH/PSM/JDL.

HB237 HD1 RELATING TO ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS FOR JUVENILES INVOLVED IN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM.
Appropriates funds to the Department of Education for two additional alternative schools. Requires the Department of Education to develop enrollment criteria and a referral and placement process. (H ) 2/15/2013 – Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on FIN. (EDN, JUD, FIN)

SB419 SD1 RELATING TO ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS FOR JUVENILES INVOLVED IN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM.
Appropriates funds to the department of education for two additional alternative schools to facilitate the ongoing education of juveniles involved in the justice system. Effective 7/1/2050. (S ) 2/12/2013 – Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. (EDU/JDL, WAM)

HB238 HD1 RELATING TO WITNESSES.
Amends section 621-7, HRS, to increase the per diem payments for out-of-state witnesses in criminal cases. Provides an additional unspecified amount as a per diem payment for witnesses from any island other than the island on which the court is located, when that witness is required to stay overnight. Effective 07/01/2030. (S ) 3/7/2013 – Referred to JDL, WAM.

SB418 RELATING TO WITNESSES.
Amends section 621-7, HRS, to increase the per diem payments for out-of-state witnesses in criminal cases from $110 to $145.  Provides an additional $90 per diem payment for witnesses from any island other than the island on which the court is located, when that witness is required to stay overnight. (S ) 1/22/2013 – Referred to JDL, WAM.

SB879 SD1 HD2 RELATING TO WITNESSES.
Increases the per diem payments for out-of-state witnesses in criminal cases.  Provides an additional per diem payment for witnesses from any island other than the island on which the court is located, when that witness is required to stay overnight. Effective July 1, 2030. (S ) 4/26/2013 – Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 04-26-13 4:15PM in conference room 325.

HB239 RELATING TO THE PAYMENT OF RESTITUTION BY MINORS.
Requires the family court, when requested by the victim, to order the adjudicated minor to make restitution to the victim. Requires the family court to order the parents of the adjudicated minor to pay the remainder of the restitution, if any. (H ) 1/31/2013 – The committee(s) on JUD recommend(s) that the measure be deferred. (JUD, FIN)

SB420 RELATING TO THE PAYMENT OF RESTITUTION BY MINORS.
Requires the family court, when requested by the victim, to order the adjudicated minor to make restitution to the victim. Requires the family court to order the parents of the adjudicated minor to pay the remainder of the restitution, if any. (S ) 1/22/2013 – Referred to JDL, WAM.

HB240 RELATING TO ENHANCED SENTENCES FOR CRIMES THAT RESULT IN MULTIPLE VICTIMS.
Requires courts to sentence a person convicted of a misdemeanor involving physical harm to five or more persons or pet animals in any one instance to one year of imprisonment. (H ) 1/22/2013 – Referred to JUD, FIN.

SB421 RELATING TO ENHANCED SENTENCES FOR CRIMES THAT RESULT IN MULTIPLE VICTIMS.
Requires courts to sentence a person convicted of a misdemeanor involving physical harm to five or more persons or pet animals in any one instance to one year of imprisonment. (S ) 1/22/2013 – Referred to JDL.

Jon speaking at a human trafficking forum at Mililani Hongwanji on Saturday, January 11, 2014.

Former Hawaii Senate President Norman Mizuguchi and I on the Hawaii Senate floor on the opening of the 2014 Hawaii Legislative Session on Wednesday, January 14, 2014. President Mizuguchi was friends with my late grandpa Maurice Karamatsu who passed away in 1992.

Dear Friends,

Have a great 2014! I wish you good health, happiness, and success.

In 2013, I was fortunate to achieve 39% of my resolutions. I am excited to work on my 2014 resolutions that includes time with family and friends, creative writing, legislative work, reading fiction and nonfiction, exercise, politics, business, travel, law and having a personal life. Best of luck in all your resolutions for 2014!

With Warmest Aloha,
Jon Riki Karamatsu

Happy New Year! I wish everyone happiness, good health, and success in 2014!

I just finished the 9th draft of my Writing Project #1 with 78,300 words, a fictional story I came up with when I couldn’t sleep on October 11 to 12, 2006. It is the first of four writing projects I am working on as part of a series.

I enjoyed Christmas with my family in Pearl City. We Skyped my sister Mia and niece Elyse who are in San Mateo, California. I also spent time with two of my childhood friends.

I was saddened to recently learn of the passing of Hawaii State Health Department Director Lorretta Fuddy in a plane crash off of Molakai earlier today, December 11, 2013. I got the opportunity to know her while working on legislative issues. My thoughts are with her and her family.

I attended the fundraiser for Hawaii State Representatives Clift Tsuji of Hilo, Hawaii and Kyle Yamashita of upcountry Maui at Mandalay restaurant in Downtown, Honolulu this evening, Tuesday, December 10, 2013.

I ran the 2013 Honolulu Marathon on Sunday, December 8, 2013. It was the sixth Honolulu Marathon I ran in a row.

I am always proud when Hawaii people do well at the national and international level like Guy Kawasaki, a businessman, entrepreneur in technology, and author. He helped develop Apple in the 1980s, co-founded Garage Technology Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in technology start-ups, and Alltop.com, an online magazine rack. Guy Kawasaki’s father is Duke Kawasaki, a former Hawaii State Senator. Currently, he is the special advisor to the CEO of Motorola, a Google Company.

I just read an article on him in the Iolani School Bulletin – Volume LV, Number 1, Fall 2013, and his quote stood out: “My parents taught me two very important principles: First, don’t take crap from anyone. Second, that I have a moral obligation to treat everyone fairly and nicely. Noblesse oblige if you will. I also believe there is a karmic scoreboard, so if you screw people, you’ll get screwed. With these three principles, I’m good to go.” – Guy Kawasaki –

At about 2:00 A.M. on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, 2013, I finished my 8th draft of my writing project. I think I will let it be for now and start working on my 2nd writing project.

With Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith M. Kaneshiro at his fundraiser on the evening of Thursday, November 14, 2013 at the Blaisdell Center. Please support Keith in his bid for re-election in 2016. Mahalo!

This evening, November 13, 2013 from 6:30 PM to 8:45 PM, I attended the Pearl City Lions Club meeting at Pearl Country Club. I was their guest speaker and talked about lobbying the legislature. I shared my experience as a legislator and now as a lobbyist for the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney of the City and County of Honolulu. They presented me a certificate of appreciation and some members gave me raffle tickets and their snacks that they won. I had a nice time.

I don’t know if I could ever accept death so I race against it every single day.

Every single one of us can play a role in bettering our world just by being nice to everyone we come into contact, every single day.

In my early twenties, I put aside my work in popular culture and focused on mainly law and politics, but I have come back full circle to the arts, as I feel it can best reach into the souls of the human race since too often, the clouds of anger blinds our efforts in law and politics.

On Thursday, October 10, 2013, I second-chaired a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) trial litigated by Honolulu Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Katherine “Katie” Lukela in courtroom 8C in Honolulu Family Court located in Honolulu District Court, presided by Judge Dean E. Ochiai. In this case, the Defendant told his mother to tell the petitioner of the TRO (Defendant’s ex-girlfriend) that if she dropped the criminal charges (Burglary and Assault) against him, he would stop bothering her. The State only had the Defendant’s mother and two police officers as witnesses. We didn’t have the petitioner of the TRO. The Defendant’s mother told us she would testify only if we gave her immunity from prosecution from our department in regards to the case in chief. Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith M. Kaneshiro gave us the authority to give immunity to her, which enabled us to go to trial. Katie did an excellent job in litigating the case and the mother testified honestly. As a result, we were able to defeat a motion by the Defense for Judgment of Acquittal on the first day of trial.

On Friday, October 11, 2013, Honolulu Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Lukela did a great job in her closing argument and rebuttal. While the jury was deliberating, I went with four other Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys from the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Team to a building by Honolulu Hale to see Tammy Hurley, a staff for our team, receive a City and County of Honolulu employee of the year award from the Mayor of Honolulu Kirk Caldwell, a friend and former colleague of mine in the Hawaii State House of Representatives. Just as we were walking back to downtown for lunch, we got a call from Katie saying that the jury had reached a verdict. We returned back to court and was pleased to find out that the State had received a “guilty” verdict. We were extremely proud of Honolulu Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Katherine “Katie” Lukela’s performance. Our team had a great time bonding that day.

On Saturday, September 28, 2013, I finished the 7th draft of my novel, a paranormal romance with 78,305 words.

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Senator Cal Kawamoto. (He passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2013 at the age of 73). He served in the Hawaii State Senate, representing Waipahu and Pearl City from 1994-2004. Senator Kawamoto was a very strong man, a veteran fighter pilot, but once you got to know him, he had a fun side and was extremely loyal to his friends.

I first met Senator Cal Kawamoto in 1997 when I was 22 years old as a member of the Pearl City Neighborhood Board where he would give his legislative updates at the meetings.

In 2002, after I won my House race for the Waikele, Village Park, Royal Kunia, and Waipahu district, I got to know Senator Cal Kawamoto really well. I would put all the money I could for my district in the budget bill as it started in the House first. When the bill crossed over, Senator Kawamoto shoved even more money. Within two years, I achieved all of my priority funding goals for my district with the help of Senator Kawamoto, just in time for the 2004 election.

I remember a meeting I had with the Senator in his capitol office going over some of the bills I drafted that were before the Senate. He walked me out of the office and told his staff, “Pass the kid’s bill out.” I knew he didn’t really care for one of the bills he pushed out of his committee for me, but he did it anyway. That was the kind of man he was. Like many people, I got to see the Senator’s serious side, but my favorite moments with him were when he was smiling and laughing.

My friend, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Loren Haugen called me tonight and said my dad was on his jury trial for a burglary in the Second Degree case. I voted on the current version of this law when I was in the Hawaii State House of Representatives. The trial started on Monday, September 16, 2013 and ended today, Thursday, September 19, 2013 with a “guilty” verdict by the jury. From what Loren told me, Judge Edward Kubo asked my dad, “How often do you see Riki?” My dad answered, “Once a week, but he comes over more often when he’s hungry.” Everyone in the court laughed. During voir dire, Loren asked my dad, “So what’s the worse thing Jon Riki did?” Just before my dad could answer, Loren told him, “No, I’m just playing.” Everyone in the court laughed again.

For week 2, my fantasy football team in the Prosecutor’s League, 455+349 won for the second game in a row and is ranked 3rd out of 12, up from its 6th place ranking in week 1.

455+349 (2-0, 242.98 points) edged BlkPajamaPrty (1-1, 266.22 points) 116.78 – 116.70 in a back-and-forth battle. They were led by Jamaal Charles who had 24.30 points and Peyton Manning who had 19.98. BlkPajamaPrty was the first to put up points and by Sunday was already out in front 18.20 – 0. That advantage slipped away after the early Sunday games and they trailed by 45.60. After the late Sunday games, the lead swung back the other way to 1.22. Thanks to 13.00 points from the San Francisco 49ers Defense, Sunday night ended with 455+349 on top.

After two days of trial on a child abuse case where the father punched his 13 year-old son over seven times and stabbed him at least three times with a lawn chair on his body, the jury returned a “not guilty” verdict on the afternoon of Wednesday, September 18, 2013. After talking with three members of the jury after the trial, I learned that they felt the discipline of a minor defense applied and they believed the father’s testimony saying that he used open handed backslaps and not closed fisted punches. My overall win-loss record in Domestic Violence Misdemeanor jury trials is now 2-3.

I entered the Prosecutor’s League, my first Fantasy Football League for the 2013 NFL football season with 12 owners from the Department of the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney, all of whom are friends of mine. For week 1, I am currently in 6th place out of 12 teams with 126.2 points. The leader has 163.12 points and the last place team has 96.52 points.

The following was my starting line-up for Week 1 (I was too late in placing Peyton Manning in as starting quarterback for the Thursday game): QB Eli Manning of New York Giants, WR Vincent Jackson of Tampa Bay Buccaneers, WR James Jones of Green Bay Packers, RB Jamal Charles of Kansas City Chiefs, RB Lamar Miller of Miami Dolphins, TE Jason Witten of Dallas Cowboys, RB DeAngelo Williams of Carolina Panthers; K Blair Walsh of Minnesota Vikings, and DEF San Francisco 49ers.

My week 1 players on the bench were: QB Peyton Manning of Denver Broncos, RB Shonn Greene of Tennessee Titans, RB Mike Leshoure of Detroit Lions, WR Reuben Randle of New York Giants, WR Vincent Brown of San Diego Chargers, and QB Peyton Manning of Denver Broncos.

As of now, my week 2 starting line-up will be: QB Peyton Manning of Denver Broncos, WR Vincent Jackson of Tampa Bay Buccaneers, WR James Jones of Green Bay Packers, RB Jamal Charles of Kansas City Chiefs, RB Lamar Miller of Miami Dolphins, TE Jason Witten of Dallas Cowboys, RB DeAngelo Williams of Carolina Panthers; K Blair Walsh of Minnesota Vikings, and DEF San Francisco 49ers.

For week 2, I put in QB Peyton Manning as the starting QB. I am contemplating on replacing WR James Jones of Green Bay Packers with either WR Reuben Randle of New York Giants or WR Vincent Brown of San Diego Chargers. Any advice?

On Thursday, September 5, 2013, I won my second jury trial in a row in the domestic violence misdemeanor area of law. The trial started on Wednesday, September 4, 2013. The case was a violation of an Order for Protection where the Defendant went to the airport and came within 100 feet of the Complaining Witness, a violation of the Order. I currently have 2 wins, 2 losses, and 1 re-trial. Each star on my name plate represents a win against a motion by defense for judgment of acquittal after the State rests. Our team of attorneys have a 22% winning percentage, which is considered good in the domestic violence misdemeanor area of law.