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FBI Investigates Possible Hate Crime [Hawaiian dad and son vs white couple]
kgmb 9 ^ | March 3, 2007 | kgmb 9

Posted on 03/07/2007 9:29:46 PM PST by freedomdefender

Gerald Paakaula and his teenaged son are accused of beating a couple outside the Waikele Baskin Robbins, literally cracking their skulls after a minor parking lot collision.

But it's something Paakaula's son allegedly said that now has the FBI involved. Prosecutors say the boy yelled racial slurs at the Caucasian couple right before the attack. That makes it a possible civil rights case under the FBI's jurisdiction.

"My understanding of the state law is that the entire hate crime has to be because of a person's race, creed or color, whereas with the federal law it has to only be a factor in the criminal activity taking place," says Special Agent Brandon Simpson.

Federal investigators say they'll be conducting witness interviews and looking at the facts to decide if the brutal assault was road rage or triggered by racism.

Ethnic Studies Professor Davianna McGregor is well aware of racial tension in Hawaii. She says the high cost of living and crowded conditions lead to animosity between locals and newcomers, but she doesn't think this case rises to the federal level.

"Using racial slurs is not a hate crime," said McGregor. "To label it as a hate crime is inappropriate and in itself breeds more animosity and raises racial tensions."

But if FBI does rule it a hate crime, a federal prosecution would significantly increase the possible punishment for Gerald Paakaula.

"It's a very important thing that the federal government protects people's unalienable rights," said Simpson.


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Front Page News
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1 posted on 03/07/2007 9:29:48 PM PST by freedomdefender
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To: freedomdefender

Setting aside the stupidity of "hate" crime laws, I didn't think it was considered so unless committed against minorities.


2 posted on 03/07/2007 9:31:45 PM PST by zendari
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To: freedomdefender

So cracking open someone's skull isn't so serious unless someone shows a racial motivation for doing it. If they'd just beat the crap out of another Hawaiian, it wouldn't be a "hate crime".


3 posted on 03/07/2007 9:34:47 PM PST by Paleo Conservative
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To: freedomdefender

I have read elsewhere that there are tensions between Hawaiians and non-natives. It's too bad. Not a tourist spot that I'd go to.


4 posted on 03/07/2007 9:36:15 PM PST by DJ MacWoW (If you think you know what's coming next....You don't know Jack.)
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To: freedomdefender
"Using racial slurs is not a hate crime," said McGregor. "To label it as a hate crime is inappropriate and in itself breeds more animosity and raises racial tensions."

Had the races been reversed here, our Davianna would be demanding the National Guard.

5 posted on 03/07/2007 9:40:23 PM PST by denydenydeny ("We have always been, we are, and I hope that we always shall be detested in France"--Wellington)
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To: DJ MacWoW

Personally, I think we should just kick Hawaii out of the union.


6 posted on 03/07/2007 9:40:26 PM PST by Rodney King (No, we can't all just get along.)
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To: DJ MacWoW

If you are wanting to visit a tropical paradise, head to the Palau Islands. The locals are very friendly with the tourists and there are a number of tours you can enjoy, from snorkeling and diving on the beautiful coral reefs to exploring old WW1 and WW2 sites both on land and at sea.


7 posted on 03/07/2007 9:41:20 PM PST by Stonewall Jackson (Sir, I protest! I am not a merry man! - Lt. Worf)
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To: freedomdefender

I think it is a hate crime to make personal conduct a federal offense.


8 posted on 03/07/2007 9:41:36 PM PST by AZRepublican ("The degree in which a measure is necessary can never be a test of the legal right to adopt it.")
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To: Rodney King

Sounds good to me. Saw a Hawaiinan on TV a couple months back yapping that they aren't REALLY part of the US.


9 posted on 03/07/2007 9:45:39 PM PST by DJ MacWoW (If you think you know what's coming next....You don't know Jack.)
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To: Stonewall Jackson

I'll check them out. Thanks.


10 posted on 03/07/2007 9:46:09 PM PST by DJ MacWoW (If you think you know what's coming next....You don't know Jack.)
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To: Rodney King

I think that is exactly what HI wants. Bad enough the island was seized under typical fraudlant federal manipulation, but to have to face a screwed up liberal guided supreme court that dictates right and wrong, is something out of a Hitler nightmare.


11 posted on 03/07/2007 9:46:31 PM PST by AZRepublican ("The degree in which a measure is necessary can never be a test of the legal right to adopt it.")
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To: DJ MacWoW

Which is exactly what these racist Hawaiian's want. It is important to understand that these people represent a very small but vocal minority. There are alot more wonderful and beautiful Hawaiian folks who would welcome you into their home. Racism is everywhere.


12 posted on 03/07/2007 9:50:06 PM PST by 1FreeAmerican
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To: DJ MacWoW
If you are interested in going and have any experience in diving, there is an organization, Bent Prop, that conducts annual expeditions to search for the remains of American aircraft lost in the Palau Islands during WW2 and they are always asking for volunteers. They go out and look for missing aircraft, map out the wreck sites and then call in JPAC (Joint POW-MIA Accounting Command) to actually search for any MIAs.

Their 2007 expedition is currently underway and you can read their updates at their website, www.Bentprop.org. There are some beautiful pictures of the islands and some links to several local dive shops.

13 posted on 03/07/2007 9:53:19 PM PST by Stonewall Jackson (Sir, I protest! I am not a merry man! - Lt. Worf)
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To: freedomdefender

"Gerald Paakaula

Doesn't look like a black name.

What's all the hoopla?

There is no hate crime here as both sides are non-blacks.


14 posted on 03/07/2007 9:53:27 PM PST by baubau (BOYCOTT Bank of America for Issuing Credit Cards to 3rd World Illegal Aliens.)
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To: AZRepublican; Rodney King

Sorry gents, but neither of you know what you are talking about.


15 posted on 03/07/2007 9:54:15 PM PST by 1FreeAmerican
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To: freedomdefender


"Using racial slurs in not a hate crime," said McGregor."

No, but using racial slurs followed by assault is would seem to suggest a motive.


16 posted on 03/07/2007 10:05:53 PM PST by This Just In
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To: 1FreeAmerican

You're silence says we do.


17 posted on 03/07/2007 10:09:54 PM PST by AZRepublican ("The degree in which a measure is necessary can never be a test of the legal right to adopt it.")
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To: freedomdefender

Gerald Paakaula and his teenaged son are accused of beating a couple outside the Waikele Baskin Robbins.

Apparently someone was angry because they didn't get the last scoop of 'Cookies and Cream' and now they have a Rocky Road ahead.


18 posted on 03/07/2007 10:12:56 PM PST by proudpapa (Forget Rudy McRomney it's Duncan Hunter in '08!)
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To: DJ MacWoW
" Saw a Hawaiinan on TV a couple months back yapping that they aren't REALLY part of the US. "
Well, if that is the case, then, cut off all federal funding to the Hawaiian Island, no more military protection, and see how far they will get.
19 posted on 03/07/2007 10:19:17 PM PST by Prophet in the wilderness (PSALM 53 : 1 The FOOL hath said in his heart , There is no GOD .)
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To: zendari
Setting aside the stupidity of "hate" crime laws, I didn't think it was considered so unless committed against minorities.

Caucasians are the minority in Hawaii.

20 posted on 03/07/2007 10:21:17 PM PST by montag813
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