JON RIKI KARAMATSU

On Thursday, July 7, 2011, I won my first bench trial on a OVUII (Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant) case.  I won my second bench trial on another OVUII case on July 13, 2011.  In both cases, the defendants were represented by private counsel.

I have lost a number of good friends who were also within my political circle: Hawaii Senator, Attorney, & Member of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team Nadao “Najo” Yoshinaga passed in 2009 at age 90, Hawaii Representative & Owner of Ameritone (Paint CO.) Bob Nakasone passed in 2008 at age 68, Attorney Eric Maehara passed in 2010 at age 63, President & CEO of Accucopy Consulting Group & Governmental Affairs, Scott H. Dunn who passed just recently at age 50. These are my mentors. Like me, they loved poltics, law, and business. I still feel their presence in this great challenge of bettering the human race and our world.

On the evening of Wednesday, June 29, I attended the funeral for my friend Scott H. Dunn who passed away at age 50, which was held at Diamond Head Mortuary.  He was president and chief executive officer of Accucopy Consulting Group and Governmental Affairs. I became friends with him when I became a politician. Scott believed anything was possible. He called me his little brother. Scott would tell me in regards to my political career, “You know what kiddo, you may get there.” I am deeply saddened of his passing.

2011 Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney  Bills  Become Law 

H.B. 968 – Act 85: Extended the period of Domestic Abuse Protective Order from 90 days to 180 days.

S.B. 1068 – Act 135: Amended Cruelty to Animals in the First Degree to include, “Kills or attempts to kill any pet animal belonging to another person, without first obtaining legal authority or the consent of of the pet animal’s owner.”  Allowed Humane euthanasia of any animal by an animal control officer, duly incorporated humane society, duly incorporated society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or duly authorized governmental agency in accordance with American Veterinary Medical Association accepted standards.  Also, allowed conduct which the actor believes to be necessary to avoid an imminent harm or evil to the actor, another person, or an animal; provided that the harm or evil sought to be avoided by such conduct is greater than that sought to be prevented by this section and is justifiable as provided in section 703-302 for choice of evils; provided further that, for purposes of this paragraph, as the justification described in section 703‑302 shall also apply to conduct which the actor believes to be necessary to avoid an imminent harm or evil to an animal.

H.B. 240 (H.B. 241 and H.B. 242) – Act 145: Promoting Prostitution Witness Security; Promoting Prostitution Increase Penalties; Habitual Solicitation of Prostitution Increase Penalties.  Other changes were made by the legislators.

This past legislative session, 4 of the 12 bills of the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, City and County of Honolulu passed.  These bills intend to prevent prostitution.

Next week Tuesday, June 7, 2011, I will begin my next adventure as a trial attorney in Honolulu District Court, litigating traffic misdemeanor crimes. However, I still have my legislative attorney hat on, since I am a member of a few task forces and I work with government agencies and the private sector on issues when they contact me.

On Thursday, May 26 to Saturday, May 28, 2011, I attended the Basic Trial Advocacy Training at Makena Resort in Maui hosted by the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, County of Maui.  After the conference, I spent some time visiting former Hawaii State Senator Joe Tanaka and sightseeing. I returned to Honolulu, Hawaii on Monday, May 30, 2011.

On Sunday, May 22 to Tuesday, May 24, 2011, I was in Washington D.C. for a Human Rights Campaign Conference regarding equal rights. I also visited Hawaii’s congressional offices to encourage equal rights legislation. All of our members are on board on practically all of the issues we mentioned. I returned to Honolulu, Hawaii on Wednesday, May 25, 2011.

The Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, City and Countyof Honolulu introduced and supported bills to help make Hawaii a safer place. The bills range in prevention, education, prosecution, and rehabilitation.

2011 Prosecuting Attorney Legislative Package:

Passed

4 out of 12 of the policies in our 2011 Prosecuting Attorney Legislative Package passed out of conference and his heading to final reading by both houses:

1. High priority for witness security in promoting prostitution cases (HB 240);
2. Increased penalties for promoting prostitution (HB 240);
3. Increased penalties for habitual solicitation of prostitution (HB 240); and
4. Killing another person’s animal without the person’s consent (SB 1068).

Did Not Pass

1. Unfortunately, our funding bill was not included in the State Budget bill.
2. Enhanced penalties for violation of TRO.
3. Enhanced penalties for violation of order for protection.
4. Victim notification rights.
5. Increase per diem for witnesses.
6. Civil commitment of sexually violent predator.
7. Mandatory minimum for certain offenses against victim who is 60 years or older.
8. No probation for person convicted of property theft over $100,000.

Bills Passed that the Department Supported:

1. The TRO timeline bill passed and included our recommendation of extending the effective time from 90 days to 180 days.  We gave this bill to HPD for their legislative package (HB 986).
2. The LEC bill passed that enhanced penalties for murder 1, murder 2, assault 2, and terroristic threatening 1 when there is a violation of a court restraining order, the victim was being protected by a police officer who ordered the defendant to leave, or the victim was a witness in a family court proceeding (HB 1003) – ACT 63.
3. Dogfighting: Creates dogfighting 2nd degree (attendance) and increases penalties for dogfighting 1st degree (SB 1069).
4. Killing of insects, rodents, vermin, or other pests must be in accordance with acceptable pest control practices (SB 1533).
5. OHA task force bill reflects our language of disproportionate representation and all decriminalization recommendations were deleted per our request (SB 986).
6. BOE and DOE to create policy on Bullying and Cyberbullying (HB 688).
7. Persons convicted of violation of privacy in the 1st degree shall register as sex offenders since the violation is sexual in nature (SB 52).
8. Update controlled substances to federal law (HB 1085).
9. Language to help PSD get federal support in electronic monitoring of pseudoephedrine in our market (SB 40).
10. DOH to provide a fitness restoration program for defendants unfit to proceed with court proceedings and on conditional release, and to report information regarding the defendant’s program and compliance to the prosecutor (HB 1071).
11. Include firefighters and water safety officers in Assault 2nd degree.  Creates unauthorized entry into a dwelling 1st degree and 2nd degree (SB 1025).
12. Fireworks: Inventory, labeling, importation, and permit revocation or suspension (SB 172).
13. Amended list of crimes that require mandatory minimum sentencing for repeat offenders.  Addressed some of our concerns (HB 1155).

Bills Passed that the Department Tracked:

1. Court can order community service in lieu of graffiti cleaning, especially if it is a dangerous location (HB 555).
2. Enhanced penalty for solicitation of prostitution near schools (HB 44).
3. PSD to establish performance indicators for inmate reentry system. (SB 44).
4. Exempts court interpreters who appear at the request of the courts from parking violations of expired meters (HB 298).
5. Allow child service providers to provide emergency shelter and related services to a minor (SB 921).
6. TRO by electronic application (SB 1054).
7. “Jane Doe” and “John Doe” filings (SB 946).
8. State can retain fingerprints of employment and licensing applicants for whom criminal history record checks are authorized statutorily (HB 1009).
9. Judiciary Budget (HB 300) – ACT 61.
10. Amend statute of limitations for civil actions for sexual offenses against minors (SB 217).
11. Prohibition against explosive devices (SB 782).

Jon Riki Karamatsu Speech on Elder Abuse to Hawaii Caregivers Association

Saturday, April 30, 2011, 6:00 P.M. at Pearl Country Club

Hawaii, like other states in the union, has created civil and criminal laws to protect our older adults from abuse. The abuse of the elderly can be physical abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, caregiver neglect, or self-neglect. There are challenges regarding elder abuse. Part of the problem is that people do not like to talk about the abuse. The silence around elder abuse is similar to other crimes such as domestic abuse and sexual abuse. Based on a 2007 study by the Hawaii Legislative Reference Bureau, Hawaii has a relatively low level of adult abuse reports compared generally to other states and to other state of comparable size. However, at the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney of the City and County of Honolulu, there are increasing numbers of elder abuse cases. In 2008, the department had 37 cases; in 2009 it had 57; and in 2010 it had 102. There are various factors that could be contributing to the increasing amount of cases of elder abuse such as better education and awareness on this issue, bad economy, drug abuse, and the growing elderly population.

I will go over the various Hawaii laws that intend to protect our elders from such abuse. Hawaii criminal law, under Section 706-660.2, HRS, has enhanced penalties for offenders who in the course of committing or attempting to commit a felony, causes the death or inflicts serious or substantial bodily injury on a person who is 60 years of age or older and such is known or reasonably should be known to the offender. Under Section 706-662, there are enhanced penalties if the offender attempts or commits any of the following crimes: murder, manslaughter, a sexual offense that constitutes a felony under chapter 707, robbery, felonious assault, burglary, or kidnapping; and the defendant, in the course of committing or attempting to commit the crime, inflicts serious or substantial bodily injury upon a person who has the status of being 60 years of age or older and the person’s status is known or reasonably should be known to the offender.

In most Hawaii civil laws, “elderly person” is defined as a person who is 62 years of age or older. Section 412:3-114.5, HRS mandates financial institutions to report suspected financial abuse that is directed towards, targets, or is committed against an elder to the Department of Human Services. The department in turn is required to report this to the police. Persons who report have immunity from liability, civil or criminal. Section 485A-603.5, HRS and Section 485A-604.5 allows the court or the Commissioner of Securities respectively, to impose additional penalties up to $50,000 for each securities violation against persons age 62 years of age or older. Section 454F-12, HRS, imposes a fine up to $10,000 for each violation committed against an adult 62 years of age or older, by a mortgage broker or mortgage solicitor. Section 480-13.5, HRS, imposes penalties up to $10,000 for each consumer fraud violation against a consumer who is 62 years of age or older. If a person commits unfair competition, practices, declared unlawful, towards an elder, the court may award the elder additional sum up to the restitution ordered.

In contractor law, “elderly person” is defined as a person who is 65 years of age or older. Under Section 444-10.7, the court may impose a fine up to $10,000, or imprisonment up to 1 year, or both, if a person acts, or assumes to act, or advertise, as general engineering contractor, general building contractor, or specialty contractor without a contractor license towards a person who is 65 years of age or older.

Currently, Hawaii law makes no distinction between adults and elder adults in qualifying for adult protective service. Part X, Chapter 346, Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS), applies to any “dependent adult” age 18 and over. The legislature recognized that it is a person’s vulnerability, not necessarily age, which is often encountered in cases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. While advanced age alone is not sufficient reason to intervene in a person’s life, the legislature found that many elders have become subjects of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and substantial public interest exists to ensure that this segment of the population receives protection. Thus, the legislature created the adult protective services law for the protection of its citizens who may be vulnerable to abuse, including the elderly.

The State of Hawaii’s adult protective service law was created to increase the protection of vulnerable adults from abuse by mandating health professional to promptly report to the Department of Human Services on any elderly abuse. Any person who knowingly fails to report or who willfully prevents another person from reporting can be guilt of a petty misdemeanor. The Department of Human Services has authority to conduct investigations on any abuse. Any person intentionally or knowingly obstructing or interfering with the department’s access to or communication with the vulnerable adult can be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Upon investigation the department shall take action to prevent abuse and shall have the authority to do any or all of the following: (1) Resolve the matter in an informal fashion as is appropriate under the circumstances; (2) Exercise its right of entry; (3) Seek an order for immediate protection; (4) Seek a temporary restraining order; (5) File a petition with the court under this part; and (6) Seek any protective or remedial actions authorized by law. Any individual who assumes a duty or responsibility pursuant to this law shall have immunity from civil liability for acts or omissions performed within the scope of the individual’s duty or responsibility.

I would like to note that all elderly abuse criminal cases are handled by the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney in the county where the crime was committed, and the Attorney General handles all the elderly abuse civil cases.

Thank you for inviting me to give an overview of the laws on elderly abuse. Together, we can make Hawaii a better and safer place for all, especially our elderly.

While I was an elected official for the past 8 years, my schedule was extremely busy with meetings, events, legislative work, and campaign work. I was being pulled in so many directions. Now, I can direct my focus to my projects and personal life. I am going full force to accomplish all I can while I have more freedom and some privacy. After all, this time is limited since I plan to run for elected office again in the future. With my new-found free time, I am still involved with community organizations, but I also have more time to read laws, rules, and cases for work, and fiction and nonfiction for pleasure. I am trying to spend more time on my novel, Internet retail business, financial bookkeeping, and home. I enjoy drafting laws and lobbying at the legislature, but now I want to also do well litigating the laws and facts in the courts as a trial attorney. I enjoy influencing many things in society. I am determined to take it to the next level in law, politics, and business.

Today, Saturday, April 16, 2011, I picked up my friend and former office manager of my State House office, Baron Gushiken to see the ashes of our friend Senator Nadao “Najo” Yoshinaga be released into the ocean at Magic Island, Ala Moana Beach Park from 1:30 P.M. Senator Yoshinaga participated in the Univeristy of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, thus, they coordinated this service. Governor John A. Burns whom the school is named after, was his good friend. Senator Yoshinaga created some of Hawaii’s most influential laws. I threw a lei into the ocean for him. Then moments later, a wave splashed against the rocks, flew up, and landed on my entire front side of my body. I miss the Senator so much. Though I know he is still here with us.

Hawaii House Speaker Calvin K.Y. Say, Honolulu Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tricia Nakamatsu, and I, after meeting with Speaker Say at his office on Thursday, April 14, 2011 from 3:00 P.M. We discussed issues relating to the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, City and County of Honolulu.

I was interviewed by Jennefer Barua, an undergraduate student at the Univerisity of Waterloo (Waterloo, Ontario, Canada) regarding the law on shark fins at my office on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 from 1:30 P.M. I was very impressed with her questions because she looked at all sides of the issue including environmental impact, cultural significance, unintended catches by the fishing industry, and impact on the businesses. I wish her the best in her research project and her future goal to have a career in public policy.

Representative Jerry L. Chang, Honolulu Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tricia Nakamatsu, and I at Chang’s fundraiser at Mandalay Restaurant on Thursday, April 7, 2011 from 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.

Dear Friends,

I want to share with you my love for the law, but also some of the difficult challenges I see in ensuring our laws are fair and uphold justice.  Law sets the boundaries of politics, economics, and society in numerous ways and serves as a social mediator of relations of people.  It is a system of rules and guidelines enforced by an institution or a set of institutions.  In the United States, we have three branches of government.  The Legislative branch makes the legislation.  The Executive branch approves the legislation into law or vetoes it.  The laws that are enacted are executed and enforced by the Executive branch.  The Judiciary branch interprets and applies the law, and it also provides a mechanism to resolve disputes.

I see the law as an extremely powerful tool or even energy created by humans.  A good law can do well for society, but a bad law can do harm whether intentionally or unintentionally.  In my experience as a lawmaker and now as an attorney drafting laws, the background of the legislative drafter(s) is critical to the final outcome of the law that is being written.  Often, there are just a handful of legislative drafters made up of politicians, attorneys, and/or advocates.  These individuals carry enormous power.  However, with enormous power, there is enormous responsibility.  Such individuals must be able to analyze the impact of the law, ensure the law is interpreted as it was intended by the drafter(s), and cross-reference and cross-check other laws.

Ideally, laws should be drafted so that it is equally applied to all persons and entities.  Laws with penalties should be created fairly that is fitting for the violation.  Basically laws should be balanced, overseeing the big picture, as it impacts our society.  However, not all laws are drafted in this manner.  There are individuals who are extremely slanted to one view.  Personalities and character traits of individuals affect the legislative drafting.  Errors in drafting and research affect the intent of the legislation.  And individuals disagree with each other on the interpretation of the language that was drafted, unable to come up with the clearest language.

I have experienced all the challenges of law making.  I have disagreed with one-sided individuals, caught my errors and errors of others in drafts of legislation, and disagreed with others on the interpretation of language in the legislation.  What frustrates me is when individuals cannot at least be open to see all sides of the argument, admit their errors, or at least be open to analyze another interpretation of the legislation being drafted.  I have made mistakes or changed my policy views in my career, but if my mistake or change in policy can result in a better law, then it is good, because ultimately the law affects the people of Hawaii.  Many times, I have watched legislation become law because of these obstacles.  This year is no different.

However, even if legislation become law, which I disagree with, I am happy our government has the Judiciary branch that is separate but equal to the Legislative and Executive branches of government.  Sure the Executive branch can veto bills passed by the Legislature, however, a Legislature with a supermajority can easily override the Governor’s vetoes, or there are times when the Governor and the Legislature are aligned.  Unlike the Legislative branch and Executive branch, the Judiciary branch does not have the same political pressure to make a decision, as the Judiciary’s judges are appointed through a judicial selection process and not elected like the Legislature and Governor.  Therefore, the Judiciary is semi-sheltered from political pressures.  Lady Justice, the symbol of the Judiciary in our country holds the scales of justice, which represents an objective standard by which competing claims are weighed.  With this objective standard, the Judiciary makes decisions on unfair laws, interprets vague laws, makes judgment on disagreements, and imposes sentences fitting of each violation.

There are laws that force the Judiciary to make a certain decision, and I have always felt uncomfortable about them because it ties the Judiciary’s hands in making a decision after analyzing the facts, weighing competing claims, and applying the law.   A law should not bind the Judiciary to make a decision that is to be applied across the board to every case because every case is different.

Attorneys, although they are advocates on behalf of their clients and departments for their issues, should hold themselves to the high standard of justice instilled in the Judiciary since all attorneys become officers to the court when they are sworn in to abide by the Constitution of the State of Hawaii and to the Constitution of the United States.  Attorneys should seek justice for their clients rather than be driven by greed, self-gratification, one-sided views, or extreme-sided views.

I thoroughly enjoy working on our laws.  I will continue to do my best for you, and all the people of Hawaii.  Although, I am frustrated at times with the challenges I face in my goal to draft and implement the best laws possible, I will never give up.  Whether I serve my community as a lawyer or a politician, I will always try my best to ensure our laws are fair and up to the standards of justice.

                                                                With Warmest Aloha,

                                                                Jon Riki Karamatsu

Honolulu Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jon Riki Karamatsu and Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro.

I am with Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro at his fundraiser on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 from 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. at Oceans in Restaurant Row. Please support his re-election in 2012. Thank you!

Today, March 19, 2011 from 11:00 A.M., I attended the Honolulu Yamaguchi Kenjinkai 2011 Shinnen Enkai Party at Tsukiji Fish Market and Restaurant in Ala Moana Shopping Center.

On Wednesday, March 9, 2011 from 5:00 P.M., I attended the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce 2011 General Membership Gathering at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, Manoa Grand Ballroom.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jon Riki Karamatsu and Dr. Arun Gandhi

I listened to a speech by Dr. Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi of India on Saturday, March 5, 2011 from 4:00 P.M. at Hawaii Pacific University in Kaneohe. His speech was on “Gandhian Peace: The Way to Nonviolence and Acceptance in a Turbulent World.”

On Sunday, February 27, 2011, I attended the Jodo Mission of Hawaii (Honolulu Jodo Shu) service at 10:00 A.M., followed by the Honolulu Jodo Shu Fujinkai 88th General Membership Meeting.  I made a welcome speech as President of Jodo Mission of Hawaii.  After, we had lunch, recognized our senior members, and played bingo that included prizes.  The Fujinkai’s membership is women members of Honolulu Jodo Shu and they raise money for the temple through various events and services.

On Saturday, February 26, 2011, I attended the Shinnyo-en Lantern Floating Meeting at Shinnyo-en with Brandon Mistuda from 1:00 P.M.

On Saturday, February 19, 2011, I attended the Chinese from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos Dinner at Empress Restaurant in Chinatown from 6:00 P.M. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tricia Nakamatsu, a former Narcissus Princess attended as my guest.

The following are our legislative package bills that are still alive:

1. TRO Enhanced Penalties: HB 238 HD1 and SB 1014
2. Order for Protection Enhanced Penalties: SB 1015
3. Promoting Prostitution Witness Security: HB 240 and SB 1016
4. Promoting Prostitution Increase Penalties: HB 241 and SB 1017
5. Habitual Solicitation of Prostitution Increase Penalty: HB 242 and SB 1018
6. Killing of Pet Animal of Another: HB 243 HD1, SB 1068 and SB 1092 (Sen. Clayton Hee introduced our Senate companion bills)
7. Victim Rights DOH Notification: SB 82 SD1 (We inserted our language into Sen. Will Espero’s bill)
8. Witnesses Per Diem Increase: HB 245 HD1
9. Appropriation to Dept. of Prosecuting Attorney Honolulu: HB 246
10. Mandatory Min. for Crimes Against Elders: SB 1023
11. No probation for Theft Over $100,000: HB 249 and SB 1024

HB 247 HD1 Involuntary Hospitalization for Sexually Violent Predators passed the House Health Committee but was deferred in the House Judiciary Committee, and its companion SB 1022 was never heard in the Senate Health Committee.  This bill is pau for this legislative session but still alive for the next legislative session.

Tonight, Tuesday, February 8, 2011, at 6:15 P.M., my mom, sister Lara, and I celebrated my dad’s birthday at Yanagi Sushi. My sister and I treated. I gave my dad a Tori Richard aloha shirt.

The 2011 Prosecuting Attorney, City and County of Honolulu Legislative Package, which I worked on include enhanced penalties for violation of temporary orders and court order of protections, protecting animals from being killed, increasing per diems for witnesses, giving victims notification of offenders status on mental fitness, protecting witnesses in promoting prostitution cases, increasing penalties for promoting prostitution, increasing penalty for habitual solicitation of prostitution, involuntary hospitalization for sexually violent predators, mandatory minimum terms for certain offenses committed against, property theft over $100,000 shall not be sentenced to probation, and funding for our department for service in career criminal prosecution, drug court, Hawaii’s Opportunity Probation with Enforcement, and Victim Witness Assistance Program.

The board of directors for Jodo Shu Hawaii were installed today, January 23, 2011 in the late morning. I will be serving as its president from 2011-2012. After, we had our New Year’s party where we had Japanese food for lunch, and we played bingo for some prizes.  The following was my speech:

Aloha members and guests.  I am honored to be serving as your president of Jodo Mission of Hawaii, otherwise referred to as Jodo Shu.  I am currently a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the City and County of Honolulu, and a former Hawaii State Representative.  I am linked to this great organization through my grandpa Maurice Karamatsu and grandma Bessie Karamatsu who were active members. 

Grandpa Maurice Karamatsu served as head of the Buddhist Council, and enjoyed spending time with his friends here, especially Mr. Stephen Kotake and Mr. Robert Shimoda.  Mr. Shimoda told me they called themselves in Japanese, the three black birds.  They were involved in Buddhism, business, and politics together, but it was Jodo Shu that brought them together.   They have all passed away.  My grandpa Karamatsu passed away in 1992. 

I have always attended Jodo Shu services and events since I was a child, but in the 2000s, I began to participate more frequently with my grandma Bessie Karamatsu.  Although she didn’t say it, I could tell my grandma was happy that I showed interest.  On May 1, 2006, my grandma Karamatsu passed away, and later that year, I was asked to take over her seat on the Board of Directors of Jodo Mission of Hawaii.

Both of my grandparents have a niche in the back of the church.  Many of you have ancestors or friends that were members here as well.  As president, I will do my best to continue their legacy.  Our board will support Jodo Mission of Hawaii’s services and events that reinforces our efforts for a more peaceful world.  We will raise funds so we can maintain our services and facilities.   We will network with other people and organizations to further expand Jodo Mission of Hawaii.  Finally, and most importantly, together with all of you, we will spread compassion and love to all people we come in contact with. 

I wish everyone good health, success in all your endeavors, and happiness and joy in 2011.  Thank you.

Tonight, Saturday, January 22, 2011, I attended Stars of Hope, Honoring Individuals Who Shine in Our Community by the Hata Foundation at the Pacific Club from 5:30 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. I’m proud of Liz Hata for her efforts to help children in need such as a scholarship for a boy who lived homeless with his family and a girl who nearly died from an illness.

On Friday, January 22, 2011, from 5:30 P.M., I attended the South Oahu County Farm Bureau meeting at the Hawaii Agricultural Research Center in Kunia, Oahu.

I attended the 2011 Legislative Opening Day on Wednesday, January 19th. I sat on the floor of the House of Representatives with Prosecuting Attorney Keith M. Kaneshiro. After, I greeted over 60 legislators with another Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Tricia Nakamatsu. I also talked to a number of staff, advocates, lobbyists, and constituents.

I attended the Sony Open today, Sunday, January 16, 2011 at the Waialae Country Club. I watched Shigeki Maruyama play throughout the afternoon.

On Thursday, December 30, 2010, I took my team in the Legislative Division, Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, City and County of Honolulu, out to lunch at Tango Contemporary Cafe.

From left to right: Ainoa Naniole - Winter Law Clerk, Bryce Tanaka - Winter Law Clerk, Paul Lacuesta - Clerk, Tricia Nakamatsu - Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, and I.

Earlier this week, I placed a pair of kadomatsu & mochi at my house and office for good luck. Tonight, we popped fireworks to protect us from negativity and evil spirits, and ate soba and ozoni for good luck at my uncle and aunty’s house. Tomorrow, my family and I will pray to our ancestors, compassionate leaders before us, and to all souls who are suffering at Jodo Mission of Hawaii (Buddhist Temple). I will buy some omomori there for good luck. Then, we will pray and get blessings at Izuma Taishya (Shinto Shrine) where I will get more omomori. Omomori protects you from evil spirits because they are drawn towards it instead of you.

I attended Governor Neil Abercrombie’s Inaugural Ball on Thursday, December 9th at Hilton Hawaiian Village from 5:00 P.M.; Consul General of Japan for Hawaii, Yoshihiko Kamo’s reception at his residence for the Emperor of Japan’s birthday on Wednesday, December 15th from 5:30 P.M.; Department of the Prosecuting Attorney executive Christmas luncheon at Honolulu Country Club on Friday, December 17th from 12:00 P.M.; and Hawaii Teo Chew Chamber of Commerce dinner at Ala Moana Hotel on Friday, December 17th from 6:30 P.M.

My official time for the 2010 Honolulu Marathon on December 12th was 4 hours 59 minutes and 7 seconds.  It is now my best time, beating my first marathon race, the 2008 Honolulu marathon by 1 minute and 3 seconds.

On Thursday, December 9, 2010 from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M., I attended Governor Neil Abercrombie’s Inaugural Ball at Hilton Hawaiian Village.  I sat on the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation’s table.

Today, Saturday, November 27, 2010, my younger sister Mia Lei Karamatsu and Michael Lee got married at Halekulani Hotel at 10:00 A.M. A luncheon reception followed the wedding ceremony. I served as MC for the reception. My younger sister Lara, the baby of the three of us, served as Maiden of Honor. Mia is a pediatrician in San Francisco specialized in trauma care. Mike is the director of mobile products at Tripit. I am so happy for Mia and Mike.

I was sworn in as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, City and County of Honolulu on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at about 8:15 am at the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, Ali’i Place, 1060 Richards Street, 10th Floor in Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro’s personal office.

I have been thinking a lot about all my friends and constituents who shared their experience of suffering to me in the last two decades, ranging from assault, sexual assault, abuse, stalking, and harassment.  Others have gone through broken relationships, financial hardship, low self-esteem, and personal struggle.  I also think of the many people I have never met who are suffering.  So many people are going through depression, some relying on alcohol and drugs to ease their pain. 

They motivate me to keep trying to make our world better.  I will continue to counter all the negative people in our world full of hatred, anger, and jealously.  Together we can spread compassion with the hope that a majority of us human souls can achieve peace within in our short time in this world.

I dedicate the song “Firework” by Katy Perry below to everyone facing tough challenges. You will come back stronger than ever.

Sincerely, Jon Riki Karamatsu

  “Firework” – Katy Perry

In my desk are the signatures of former House Judiciary chairmen Eric Hamakawa who chaired from 1998-2004, and Tommy Waters who chaired from 2006-2008.  Like them, I am leaving the House of Representatives as a sitting Judiciary Chairman. Other House Judiciary chairs before me include Kate Stanley, Wayne Metcalf, Terrance Tom, and Paul Oshiro.  The position of Judiciary Chair in the House is considered very challenging because so many controversial issues are referred to you and with only a two-year term, there is extreme pressure with all the criticism that comes with the job.  A number of past chairs either leave voluntarily or are not re-elected. 

In my case, I knew I would run for higher office in 2010 back when I was in college in 1996.  However, I do admit, along with fiscal pressure, some of the events that surrounded my tenure as Judiciary chair made my decision crystal clear to leave the House to try new opportunities.  Although difficult, I enjoyed this leadership post the most in my legislative career because I always take on the most difficult challenges with extreme determination.  A number of people have told me that I have no fear and if I get knocked down, I come back.  I follow the same determination my parents, grandparents, mentors, and ancestors did before me.  I dream of a more compassionate and peaceful world.  And within me, I constantly seek to better myself.  I will stop at nothing to help make the world more positive.

I can’t believe how fast time flies.  I was born on December 21, 1974.  The 1980s was a time of growing up from a young boy to a teenager attending public schools in Pearl City.  I enjoyed playing soccer during those years.

I graduated from Pearl City High School in 1992, launching into my young adulthood.  That year I entered the University of Hawaii at Manoa and attained the Eagle Scout rank in the Boy Scouts.  I served as Senator and Vice President of the Associated Students of the Univeristy of Hawaii at Mano (ASUH).  I also served on the Pearl City Neighborhood Board from 1997-1998.  I campaigned for my regional politicians and worked at the Hawaii State legislature.  I entered Gonzaga University School of Law in 1998.   The 1990s was a time for learning and planning for my career.

In 2001, I graduated from Gonzaga University School of Law and passed the Hawaii State Bar examination.  I started my Internet retail business in 2002.  Also in 2002, I was elected into the Hawaii State House of Representatives.  I was fortunate to have served in leadership posts such as Chairman of the Economic Development & Business Concerns Committee, Majority Whip, Vice Speaker of the House, and Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, which I am serving now.  The 2000s was a time of going all out in public service, community organizations, and business.

I am excited for the decade of 2010.  I end my term as State Representative for Waipahu, Waikele, Village Park, and Waipahu on November 2, 2010.  The next day I begin my new position as Deputy Prosecutor for the City & County of Honolulu Prosecutor department.  I am glad I can continue serving the public.  Ironically, as a young student leader at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, I worked on campus safety and the sexual harassment policy because I was affected by the violent experiences my friends went through such as sexual assault and abuse.  It was one of the biggest motivators for me to be involved in politics in addition to economic diversification and project-based learning for our public schools.  I will do all I can to make Hawaii a safer place.

I have so much I want to do.  I am going try hard to accomplish all I can in my short life.  Thank you for your friendship and support.

As I am cleaning out my capitol office, looking at all the memorabilia, awards, gifts, legislation, research meterials, letters, and files brings back so many memories.  Some items are from friends who have passed away or others remind me of them.  I had a great experience in the Hawaii House of Representatives in the last eight years.

Now I am looking forward to working as a Deputy Prosecutor in my role as legislative liaison.  Violence such as sexual assault, domestic abuse, and assault has affected many people I know.  Since my days as a young student leader at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, I am determined to reduce the violence in Hawaii.  I will do all I can to make our community safe.

On Sunday, October 25, 2010, I took my mom to see “Hanamizuki” at the Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF). We saw “Time Traveler: The Girl Who Leapt Through Time” at HIFF on Friday, October 15, 2010.

On Saturday, October 23, 2010 from 6:30 P.M., I attended a gathering at U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye’s residence.

On Friday, October 22, 2010, from 8:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., I took Brian Schatz around Pearl City and Waipahu to help his campaign for Lieutenant Governor with his ticket with Neil Abercrombie for Governor.  We both served in the House together.  He would hang out at my office after work at times, but I have to admit, spending the day with Brian campaigning is now my favorite time with him.  We ended with some coffee and breakfast at Rocky’s in Waipahu.  I had a good talk with him.  Being out in the field re-sparked my political fire.

On Thursday, October 21, 2010 from 9:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M. I joined a number of legislators in welcoming the Shanghai Film Festival delegation at the Hawaii State Capitol, which was organized by Senator Carol Fukunaga.  They are attending the Hawaii International Film Festival.  I took my mom to see a Japanese drama and we will see another one soon.  In 2005, I walked the red carpert at the Shanghai Film Festival.

After weighing a couple of career opportunities presented to me, I have accepted a position as an attorney/legislative liaison in the Department of the Honolulu Prosecutor, which I will begin on November 3, 2010, the day after my fourth term as State Representative ends.