Racial profiling
draws concern

Amnesty International estimates
the problem is pervasive in Hawaii

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Hawaii is one of 27 states that have no law banning racial profiling practices by law enforcement, Amnesty International USA said yesterday.

Amnesty International estimated that 91,755 Hawaii residents have been subjected to racial profiling.

The estimate was based on an analysis of census figures coupled with public opinion polls conducted by Harvard University and George Washington University, Edward Jackson, Amnesty International's media director, said in a telephone interview from Washington.

A spokesman for the state attorney general's office did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

Amnesty International said racial profiling nationwide has increased since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

"Increased national security should not equate to decreased civil liberties," said Erin Callahan, director of Amnesty International's Western regional office. "All people are entitled to due process and other basic human rights and constitutional protections.

"Race-focused law enforcement practices are a proven failure, and Hawaii must do more to guarantee that local law enforcement is not engaging in this pervasive human rights violation," Callahan said.

Amnesty International is urging passage of the End Racial Profiling Act, which is co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawaii.

Among other things, the act would prohibit the use of racial profiling based on race, religion, ethnicity or national origin.

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