Hello everyone, since our last update, we've hit nearly 7,000 signatures but we're just short. We'd like to encourage everyone to continue sharing and most importantly, leave your comments about how you feel about HB1567 as well as your experiences with crime.

In that regard, myself representing Stolen Stuff Hawaii and the community, Megan Kau, an active defense attorney and former prosecuting attorney, and from SHOPO, President Robert Cavaco and Vice President Stephen Keogh have requested a meeting with Governor Ige to discuss the veto of HB1567 and its potential negative effects on crime, our community as well as law enforcement. We're hopeful we'll have the opportunity represent as well as use that moment to present our Petition in person. Fingers crossed!

In addition, myself, Megan, and SHOPO also had the opportunity to meet with Rep. Scot Matayoshi, the introducer of HB1567 this morning during a Zoom conference where we were able to discuss our concerns. Although, the moment has passed to affect the legislature's decisions, Rep. Matayoshi reached out for a meeting and was very respectful in explaining his reasons for introducing the bill.

The meeting allowed for us to express our viewpoints in a constructive manner. If there's anything that I can take away from the meeting is that it stressed why it is so important for us all to be active in providing testimony while a bill is in passage through the legislature. Many of us were unaware of the bill and unfortunately, the lack of opposition testimony was fundamentally responsible for its passage. I would like to sincerely thank Rep. Matayoshi for the earnest conversation and the candid discussion.

One of the points made during the meeting was how this bill would affect the hiring and retention of current law enforcement officers. This is an issue that was also covered in an article yesterday by KHON2 which I have included in this update. The impact of HB1567 on morale will be detrimental and will cause issues for our already undermanned county departments.

Again, we hope that you continue to share the petition to your friends, family and coworkers. Now is the time to make yourself heard...help us convince Governor Ige that HB1567 needs vetoing. And if you haven't left a comment, you can still do so!

I will try to keep these updates to every couple days to not spam your inbox but thank you for your continued support. Stay safe and keep your head on a swivel!

Mahalo,

Michael Kitchens
Stolen Stuff Hawaii