Everyone knows that the U.S. Attorney's Office in Hawaii is the federal "Hammer" when it comes to prosecuting and incarcerating individuals for crimes. On the civil side, the U.S. Attorney's Office has aggressively supported the Military's establishment of the Stryker Brigade in Hawaii, defended its Makua Valley Training exercises, and recently positioned itself to litigate the use of advanced sonar technology in the RimPac exercises.

However, very few people know that the U.S. Attorney also has a community support program. We have been assisted our deploying Soldiers and Marines with understanding the evidentiary requirements needed for convicting militants and insurgents, now that the Iraqi Courts are running. To assist them in obtaining the necessary skills for this goal, a basic Sensitive Site Exploitation Training course was developed with law enforcement assistance, to train troops on identifying evidence in the battlefield, how to recover and preserve it, interviewing techniques, and post-blast investigations.

Because of last year's Walter Reed Hospital controversy surrounding the poor treatment of injured and wounded veterans, U.S. Attorney Ed Kubo established Hawaii's Wounded Warrior Support Program. "Malama na Koa" or "Caring for our Warriors," was created in order to support our wounded and injured veterans and their families during the time they are recovering in Hawaii.

In Hawaii, there are presently approximately 220 recovering Wounded Warriors, virtually all on an out-patient basis. There are approximately 204 Soldiers located in Schofield Barracks, and approximately 13 Marines and Sailors residing at the Marine Corp Base Hawaii in Kaneohe. The average age of these veterans is 21 years old.

For approximately one year now, the U.S. Attorney's Office has promoted a partnership with businesses and organizations in Hawaii to help these special veteran heroes. With the help of the Aloha Stadium Authority and U.H. Athletics, they were taken to the UH vs Fresno State Football Game. Additionally, Outrigger Hotel and Resorts has provided numerous tickets for them to attend UH Men's Volleyball, and Men's and Wahine Basketball games.

In one instance, a mainland family visiting their recovering Soldier at Tripler was taken to a UH game free of charge, and they were extremely thankful for the kindness shown to them during a stressful time in their lives.

Next, when it was learned that Wii Playstations were becoming an important method of mobile rehabilitation therapy, we were able to network with the Honolulu Park Place Condominium Owners' Association, who collected enough money from their residents to donate Wii Playstations, accessories, games, and over $200 in gift cards to the Army and the Marines Wounded Warriors during Christmas.

These are only some of the many activities currently being done and planned for our Wounded Warriors in Hawaii. However, so much more needs to be done in advancing this worthwhile cause. This is where Hawaii's businesses and organizations can contribute in significant and positive ways.

If you or your organization would like to help our Wounded Warriors, or if you would like to know more about Malama na Koa, please let us know.

We are also in partnership with the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, with Mr. Alan Hong who will share in the beauty of this preserve.

The State Department of Land and Natural Resources will share in the serene elegance of the majestic views of Makapuu with guided tours. These are just some of the exciting events we are coordinating, with much more to come.

The U.S. Attorney's Office would be happy to meet with you or to facilitate your assistance. We all know how important the Military is to our State. Taking care of these recovering heroes is the least we can do to show we appreciate their service to our Nation, and their sacrifices for our freedom.

"Malama na Koa"

"Caring for Our Warriors"