Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Question: Is there a reward for any of these domestic violence fugitives that the Star-Bulletin wrote about last week? CrimeStoppers pays
but most don’t askAnswer: Any tip to the Honolulu Police Department's CrimeStoppers program that leads to the arrest or identification (not necessarily prosecution) of a wanted person is eligible for a maximum $1,000 reward.
In the case of multiple calls, the first caller who provides key information will receive the reward, said HPD Detective Letha DeCaires, coordinator of the nonprofit crime-busting program.
If multiple calls come in about the same time, any reward would be split among the key informants.
"The reward system is based on a matrix that determines the dangerousness of the individual and dangerousness of the offenses," DeCaires said.
For example, the average reward for a misdemeanor domestic violence case is $250 to $300. However, if sexual assault and/or burglary are also involved, the reward would be higher because the crime is of a higher classification -- felonies, DeCaires said.
On the whole, the average reward given by CrimeStoppers is $275 to $300, she said. She added, however, that most callers don't even claim any reward.
Since the program began in Honolulu in 1981, more than 2,378 felony cases have been cleared, including 26 homicides, and more than $144,355 in rewards has been given.
However, DeCaires said, "Only about one-third the people who call even ask for money."
Last year, for example, there were 284 arrests made through CrimeStoppers' tips, but only 105 tipsters got paid (a total of $19,213). In 1999, there were 267 arrests, but only 84 callers got paid (a total of $21,625).
Q: I'm trying to locate a book written by Tomi Knaefler titled "Our House Divided: Seven Japanese American Families in World War II," in the Japanese version. Could you tell me where I can buy one?
A: Knaefler, a former Star-Bulletin reporter, said Hakubundo, a bookstore at 1600 Kapiolani Blvd., is currently out of stock of the Japanese-language version, but expects to have them available by the end of June.
Hard-bound copies of "Hikisakareta Kazoku" will sell for $21.95. If you have any more questions, you can call Knaefler at 988-5258.
Ring owner found
Scott Robert Copelan now lives in Arizona, but his mother, Carol, called to claim his high school ring after his father, James, read last Sunday's Kokua Line. An anonymous person found the ring in 1998 at Ala Moana Beach and asked if we could find the owner. Scott, who graduated from St. Louis in 1988, lost the ring "long ago," according to his parents, who appreciate the finder's "very nice" gesture. Now, if we can only reunite James with his St. Louis Class of '62 ring. He dropped it down a grate at the old Honolulu Stadium. Unfortunately, however, that stadium was demolished in 1976.
Auwe
To the young driver of a white delivery truck who threatened a young woman on April 11. I heard what you said. Your truck was bigger than her car and you were going to ram her car even though she had the right of way. Shame on you. --No Name
Got a question or complaint?
Call 529-4773, fax 529-4750, or write to Kokua Line,
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Honolulu 96813. As many as possible will be answered.
Email to kokualine@starbulletin.com