Organization
Deputy prosecutors are assigned to the following divisions and teams:
ADMINISTRATION
Provides overall direction for programs and activities of the department. Oversees fiscal, budgeting, personnel, planning, legislative, audio/visual, and investigative services in support of departmental programs.
Appellate
Represents the state on appeals of criminal cases prosecuted by the Department of Prosecuting Attorney before the state appellate courts and the federal courts to include the U.S. District Court of Hawaiʻi, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court. The division also provides case research and reference assistance to the office.
Family
Domestic Violence Misdemeanor
Domestic Violence Misdemeanor prosecutes misdemeanor offenses involving violence or the threat of violence committed against an intimate partner or a child. The cases include charges such as abuse of family or household members, violations of orders for protection, and violation of temporary restraining orders.
Domestic Violence Felony
Domestic Violence Felony prosecutes felony offenses involving violence or the threat of violence committed against an intimate partner or a child. The cases include charges of assault in the first and second degree, murder, terroristic threatening, and abuse of family or household members.
Juvenile Offender
Juvenile Offender prosecutes cases in Family Court involving law violators under the age of 18.
Felony prosecution
Prosecutes felony and misdemeanor jury-demand cases in Circuit Court except cases referred to the Special Prosecution Division. The cases include drug, burglary, robbery, arson, murder, manslaughter, assault, negligent homicide, animal cruelty, white collar crime, and specialty court cases.
Investigative services
Provides security for department personnel and facilities, locates material witnesses, serves warrants and subpoenas, and conducts investigations for selected cases being prepared for trial.
Misdemeanor prosecution
Prosecutes cases involving motor vehicle infractions, petty misdemeanors, and misdemeanors. Deputy prosecutors are assigned to district courts in Honolulu, Pearl City, Kāneʻohe, Wahiawā and Kapolei.
Screening and intake
Reviews and charges felony cases that do not involve elder abuse, domestic violence or sexual assault. Prepares charging documents in the form of complaints, indictments, and information charging. Presents cases for probable cause determination at preliminary hearings and/or before grand juries. Processes and e-files charging documents and handles the preparation of felony cases for arraignment and plea at Circuit Court.
Special Prosecution
Career Criminal
Career Criminal prosecutes cases involving defendants who commit felonies while on probation or parole. Qualifying repeat offenders are subject to mandatory minimum sentences if convicted.
Elder Abuse
Elder Abuse prosecutes felony crimes against victims over the age of 60. Deputy prosecutors also provide educational outreach to senior citizens at community fairs and expos, as well as through group presentations and guest appearances on local TV and radio programs.
Sex Assault
Sex Assault prosecutes all sexual assault cases. Deputy prosecutors employ vertical prosecution and work directly with police, advocacy groups and community service providers that specialize in sexual violence against women, children, men and LGBT.
Sex Trafficking
Sex Trafficking special unit funded by a federal grant dedicated to investigating and charging crimes involving human trafficking.
White Collar
While Collar investigates and prosecutes cases involving financial fraud and computer-based crimes including theft, identity theft, money laundering, and wire fraud.
Victim / Witness
Provides support services for victims of crime and helps guide victims and witnesses through the judicial process. The division’s services include crisis counseling and social service referrals, safety planning for victims of domestic abuse and notification of case status and custody status of offenders. PAT’s specially trained courthouse dog works with child victims and witnesses.
