Recent tragedies involving the deaths of two children on Oahu have intensified efforts by law enforcement and legal professionals to advocate for legislative changes in Hawaii. A proposed bill, Senate Bill 281, aims to specifically define and codify child torture as a Class A felony, carrying a penalty of up to 20 years in prison. This initiative stems from the need to differentiate between general abuse and the more severe acts of torture, highlighted by the cases of 11-year-old Azaeliyah Pili-Ah You and 10-year-old Geanna Bradley. Both children suffered horrific abuse, including starvation, physical restraint, and severe injuries, which ultimately led to their deaths.
Currently, Hawaii lacks a precise legal definition of torture, complicating the prosecution of such acts. Law enforcement officials emphasize the importance of establishing distinct legal frameworks that reflect the severity of torture compared to other forms of abuse. Between 2000 and 2024, Hawaii reported numerous cases of severe child abuse, but the existing statutes have proven inadequate for appropriately charging perpetrators of torture.
The push for clearer legal definitions is supported by various stakeholders, including police departments and child advocacy groups. Data from 2024 indicates a rise in severe physical abuse cases, particularly on Maui and in West Hawaii. The Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Oahu documented nearly 10,000 cases of child abuse over a 24-year period, underscoring the ongoing crisis.
Honolulu’s Deputy Prosecuting Attorney highlighted the necessity for a torture statute, stating that Hawaii’s current laws only treat torture as an aggravating factor in murder cases. This gap in the legal system often leads to inadequate penalties for perpetrators. The proposed legislation seeks to ensure justice for victims is commensurate with the suffering endured.
Child abuse and neglect in Hawaii are often associated with broader social issues such as high living costs and decreased face-to-face interactions, according to Child & Family Service. The organization’s CEO pointed out that many cases involve parents struggling to cope with their responsibilities, with a significant percentage of abuse calls involving infants under one year old. The data also reveals a troubling trend where women, as primary caregivers, are frequently the abusers.
The two recent cases of child deaths in Kahuku and Wahiawa illustrate the brutal reality of child torture. In March, a Kahuku woman was charged with manslaughter after her adopted daughter, Azaeliyah, was found dead with extensive injuries. Similarly, Geanna Bradley was discovered in her foster home under horrific conditions, leading to murder charges against her caregivers. These cases highlight the critical need for legislative measures that address and penalize the full scope of child torture.