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Carlisle cites
falling crime rate in
bid for re-election

By Susan Kreifels
Star-Bulletin

Peter Carlisle is running what he calls a "clean campaign" in his bid for re-election as Honolulu's prosecuting attorney. That means not accepting donations of more than $100 from any individual contributor.

"The amount of money spent on campaigning gets worse and worse," Carlisle said yesterday at a news conference to announce that he will seek the office of prosecuting attorney for a second term this fall.

"Everybody talks campaign reform. Instead of waiting for someone else, I'll show it can be done."

Carlisle believes name recognition and his record will get him re-elected because "people know what to expect." He also said the dropping crime rate since he took office in January 1997 will help. He attributed most of the decline to the Honolulu Police Department but "my deputies can share it."

Carlisle has focused on domestic violence, violent criminals, and repeat offenders. He argued two high-profile cases himself, getting life sentences for both defendants.

He said he was "absolutely not" considering a run for any other office this year, but clarified that he was "talking about now." Carlisle said he wasn't aware of anyone running against him.