[ CITY PROSECUTOR ]

Candidates for prosecutor
both have the experience

Carlisle is seeking to win a third
term, and former officeholder
Kaneshiro is trying for a comeback

Knowing what needs to be done and having the experience to do the job both describe the two candidates for Honolulu prosecutor. It's the how-to that sets them apart.

Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Peter Carlisle is seeking a third term, but unlike his second term where he ran unopposed, his challenger is former city Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro, who held the job from 1989 to 1996.

Kaneshiro, 55, said attacking the crystal methamphetamine problem needs to be made a priority and that the prosecutor and law enforcement agencies need to be united to be successful in the fight against crime. "It has to be one team against crime, and we need to re-establish that relationship," he said.

He wants to restore specialized units in the Prosecutor's Office made up of prosecutors who specialize in knowing the applicable laws, anticipating legal problems before they arise and working alongside police to help them prepare their case.

A prosecutor has to be more than a trial attorney, he must be an advocate for public safety, Kaneshiro said. To that end, he intends to lobby the Legislature for additional prison space and programs for drug offenders.

Carlisle, 51, wants to continue building on the successes of the office and the close relationships and initiatives his office and local, state and federal law enforcement agencies have established to further reduce crime rates.

He believes it is important to lead by example, so he will continue to prosecute significant criminals in court. At the Capitol, he said he will advocate for legislative changes that will give fair treatment to victims and witnesses of crime as well as constitutional changes to give local law enforcement the tools to effectively prosecute drug dealers.