Hawaii needs better victims’ rights
As an advocate for victims of crime, I’ve heard hundreds of stories over the years from survivors of violent crimes, about the daily struggles they endure to feel safe. Unlike offenders who have a multitude of rights protected by the Constitution, the victims of their most heinous crimes do not.
It’s vital that victims of crime stay informed of legal proceedings, have the option to make a statement at a sentencing, or provide valuable input to judges and parole boards on how their lives have been affected by these crimes.
Today this right is not guaranteed under our Constitution, and therefore many victims fall through the cracks, or worse, get completely ignored by our legal system. There’s a reason it’s called the “criminal justice system,” and not the “victim justice system.” It’s not right, it’s not fair, it’s inhumane, and it needs to change.
Victims and their families deserve equal rights in Hawaii, and this is why I am an advocate for Marsy’s Law for All. As a state and a nation that values human rights, we shouldn’t tolerate this kind of callous discrepancy in the treatment of our citizens.
Hawaii is one of 18 states without a constitutional amendment to provide enforceable rights for victims of crimes. We are the Aloha State. It is our kuleana to create a legal environment where victims are confident that their rights are protected and respected — a system that doesn’t re-traumatize victims by withholding knowledge that could affect their safety and well-being.
A measure supporting equal rights for victims is one of the bills presented this legislative session. The House Finance and Senate Ways and Means have until March 4 to hear and decide whether or not to pass each of these. It is our job as voters to encourage lawmakers to at least hear these important bills.
Karen Rose, VASH executive director
Captain Cook
Respect a woman’s right
Abortion is a legal right in this country, and women of the west coast deserve access to it, along with everything else that falls under women’s health care services which Planned Parenthood provides. Whatever reason a woman has for choosing abortion, it is her business and her body, not ours.
Outsiders have no place forcing their religious views onto other people’s private matters. If people really want to lower the abortion rate, then help lower unwanted pregnancies by promoting easy access to birth control and education for safe sex practices. Pretending that people will be abstinent until they want kids, and creating blockades according to personal biblical ideals, is not a realistic solution that works. Even staunchly Catholic countries are arguing for contraceptive access if they don’t already have it.
I’m told these people just want to “protect the unborn babies,” but I don’t see them raising money for the babies born to families that can’t afford to support them. I don’t see them rallying for clothing/food donations, or lobbying for laws that would help working families like affordable day care centers or for job protection while pregnant. I don’t even see on their website anything promoting charities or government programs that focus on helping families.
Instead, I see complaints about welfare states and spreading debunked lies about Planned Parenthood. And, of course, using those lies to fundraise money for themselves. Does Concerned Women for America really care about these babies, or is it only while they’re in the womb, and once they’re born, the mother’s on her own?
There will always be abortions. Whether medically necessary or otherwise, we can either make it safe for women and do our best to lower the needs for it, or drive it underground and put women’s lives at risk.
Jade Smith
Kailua-Kona