Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Question: What is the law in Hawaii for spanking your children? I know in some states they can call police and have you arrested for child abuse if you spank your child. That's why children abuse their own parents and get away with it. Children safe
from harm, not
disciplineAnswer: The controversial part of your question is whether you're among those who believe spanking per se constitutes child abuse or with those who believe parents have a right to spank their children as a form of discipline.
In Hawaii, a parent can be prosecuted for "intentionally, knowingly or recklessly caus(ing) bodily injury" to his or her child, according to general criminal assault laws.
In 1983, the Child Protective Act was passed specifically to protect children in Hawaii against harm or threats of harm. If state officials believe that harm is imminent to a child, there are procedures for them to place a child under police custody or foster care, without a court order.
Although spanking was outlawed in public schools in Hawaii years ago, there is nothing preventing parents from using the rod on their own children.
In 1996, a resolution was introduced in the state House that would have created a commission to come up with laws specifically to prohibit humiliating treatment or punishment in the home and institutional or other settings.
Critics said the commission was unnecessary because of existing laws, that the resolution was confusing discipline with violence, and that it would allow government to interfere with parental rights.
Ultimately, the resolution was shelved.
Q: In the Sunday, Dec. 5, Advertiser, Star Markets advertised chilled Foster Farms whole fryers for 59 cents a pound. When I went to the Moiliili store that same day, I was told there was a mistake in the ad; that the store's policy is that the store is not responsible for mistakes in the ad (who is?); and that the store posted this mistake on their board in the store (how is the customer supposed to know this?). My point is: Once a customer comes to the store for an advertised item, the store should honor the advertised price by either selling it at the advertised price or giving them a rain check. Other stores have done this.
A: Star officials apologized for the error, but said it was an "honest mistake."
"We don't go out to deceive the public and we never have," said Paul Imada, Star's advertising and promotions director.
The price quoted in the ad should have been for frozen chickens, not "fresh chilled."
"When the mistake was found out, we quickly put disclaimers in the stores, above the item," Imada said.
"Basically, that's about all we can do at this point; we can't do any more," Imada said. "We make every single effort possible to see that mistakes like this are not made. But sometimes mistakes are made."
Auwe
To the person(s) who took my boom box from the back of my truck during New Hope Kapolei's Sunday services at Makakilo Elementary School on Nov. 7. That day also was my wife's birthday, but I did not let it cast a shadow on the night. Remember, the Lord is watching over all of us. -- Scott M.
Mahalo
To the kind person who found and returned my P.O. Box key at the Waialae-Kahala Post Office. May your holidays be bright and beautiful. -- No Name
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