Councilwoman Calls For Domestic Abuse Audit
Honolulu police and prosecutors have been heavily criticized for how they’ve handled domestic violence cases, particularly those involving cops.
The Honolulu Police Department has an image problem when it comes to domestic violence.
Over the past two years HPD has been criticized for being soft on the crime, particularly when there are cases involving police officers.
Much of the concern arose after surveillance video surfaced in 2014 showing HPD Sgt. Darren Cachola repeatedly striking his girlfriend in a Waipahu restaurant.
The incident, which never resulted in criminal charges, caused an uproar among women lawmakers, who urged reform.
Honolulu City Councilwoman Kymberly Pine is now calling for an audit of how HPD and the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Office handle domestic violence.
In a resolution, Pine is calling on the auditor to evaluate the volume of complaints, prosecution rates and the turnaround time it takes to actually file charges.
The resolution was also signed by Ann Kobayashi and Carol Fukunaga, the only other women serving on the City Council.
The council’s Public Health, Safety and Welfare Committee is scheduled to discuss the resolution during a hearing Tuesday.
