Slain cop’s brother urges
patience on three-strikes law

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By Pat Omandam
pomandam@starbulletin.com

The brother of slain Honolulu police officer Glen Gaspar says his death should not be used for any kind of political gain, such as quick passage of a three-strikes law for repeat offenders.

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"I believe that we need tough laws in this state in crime prevention. But I knew my brother very well, and as a law enforcement officer, Glen Gaspar believed in thinking things out before jumping head first into any situation," Greig Gaspar said yesterday.

"All I'm asking is that all of you honor my brother's name and his heroism, and not by using this tragedy for any kind of political gain," said Gaspar, speaking at a rally yesterday at the state Capitol courtyard in support of a three-strikes law that was organized by Republican lawmakers.

GOP legislators also presented Greig Gaspar with a $1,000 collection from their caucus and staff.

Officer Gaspar, 40, was fatally shot March 4 at a Kapolei ice cream store while arresting accused shooter Shane Mark, 28, who was being sought for investigation of attempted murder.

Mark has four prior felony convictions and was released from prison in November after serving five years.

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld California's three-strikes law, prompting Hawaii U.S. Attorney Ed Kubo and HPD Chief Lee Donohue to publicly call for stricter penalties for career criminals.

But Democratic legislative leaders responded that such legislation should not be taken up this year because there is not enough time. They suggested the issue be seriously discussed next year and involve parties from all sides.

At stake is putting criminals away for life if they are convicted of three felonies, and the state should proceed slowly on changing the law, said state Sen. Colleen Hanabusa (D, Waianae), chairwoman of the Senate Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee.

Nevertheless, the issue resurfaced yesterday at the rally, where Senate Republicans announced a failed attempt on the Senate floor to amend a House bill and make it a proposed three-strikes law.

House Republicans were expected to attempt a similar floor amendment last night.

Gaspar said he would like to meet with leaders of the House and Senate to create a law that is fair and just. He also wants to meet with Hawaii's congressional team to see about a change in the federal law that makes killing a law enforcement officer a capital crime.

"I think it's very important for us to hear Greig Gaspar's voice loud and clear," said Senate Minority Leader Fred Hemmings (R, Waimanalo).

"This should not be a political issue. It should not be an issue that's divided by party lines. Rather, it should be an issue that we all unite behind, protecting our citizens, our law enforcement officers and the people of Hawaii from the violence perpetrated on them by repeat felons," Hemmings said.

Meanwhile, Gov. Linda Lingle said yesterday she supports the concept of a three-strikes law but needs to see what type of law, if any, the Legislature approves this year.

"I haven't seen any specific bill yet from the Legislature, but I expect there will be something. Again, depending on the form, the idea is certainly something I support," she said.