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Changing Hawaii

By Diane Yukihiro Chang

Monday, February 7, 2000

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Toughen up
domestic abuse laws

IT'S happened again: A woman is killed by a so-called "loved one" in the supposed sanctity of her own home. Last Wednesday night, Andrea Belcina-Dequito of Ewa was shot to death by her estranged husband, Allan Dequito, who then committed suicide.

A Honolulu police officer -- responding to a dropped 911 call at the Keonekapu Place house -- was also wounded but saved by a bulletproof vest.

The Dequitos were both 27 years old and had been together since high school. Yet the portentous signs of tragedy were abundant and documented.

Neighbors heard their loud, frequent arguments. Family members knew the couple had a tumultuous relationship.

Allan Dequito had been convicted of domestic violence in June 1998 and was sentenced to one year of probation. They were separated and heading for divorce.

So now what? Do the rest of us merely shrug our shoulders and wait for the next lifeless body to hit the floor?

Or is there something tangible to rally behind that could help save the next victim of family violence, most likely a woman, from Andrea's fate?

Yes, there is. As part of its year 2000 package, the Women's Legislative Caucus (made up of all 17 female senators and representatives in the state Legislature) has proposed a slate of bills and resolutions to empower the one being abused, not the one doing the abusing.

These ideas -- which were scheduled for hearing today -- are worth a quick call or note of support to your legislator:

Expanding the misdemeanor charge of "abuse of a family or household member" and creating three distinct degrees -- first degree or a class C felony, second degree or misdemeanor, and third degree or petty misdemeanor.

Broadening the definition of "family and household member" to include persons who have or have had a dating relationship.

Revising the confidentiality statutes to permit probation officers to inform victims when their abusers have violated terms of their probation.

Extending the time period that a person may be held after posting bond to 48 hours.

Encouraging the creation of a domestic violence division within the state judiciary.

Training emergency service personnel like paramedics, who are often first at the scene, to recognize the special needs of domestic violence victims.

Creating a petty misdemeanor offense when a person "knowingly interrupts, disrupts, impedes, interferes with, prevents or hinders the reporting of a crime, or the placing of a call to 911, emergency medical services, or state or federal law enforcement." This specifically targets abusers who pull out phone cords or physically restrain those trying to contact authorities.

ANDREA Belcina-Dequito almost certainly could have benefited from such legislation.

For example, if Allan Dequito was NOT fulfilling the requirements of his probation -- which included substance abuse assessments -- shouldn't his probation officer be allowed to inform Andrea?

When are we going to start protecting the victim instead of the perp?

And what about that dropped 911 call that the HPD officer was responding to, which was undoubtedly someone attempting to summon help and the other standing in the way? If you don't think dropped 911 calls happen a lot, you are wrong. Dead wrong.

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Diane Yukihiro Chang's column runs Monday and Friday.
She can be reached by phone at 525-8607, via e-mail at
dchang@starbulletin.com, or by fax at 523-7863.