News and Media Reports

[DaViper]

The former Mayflower. That place has a lot of history--and many fond memories

It looks like the door jam to the place was partly destroyed; like HPD just busted in there.

Have not been to Century center for awhile now but I advise everyone watch out they saying they taking everyone car plate number when you go there.

[Blake123]

"The establishment, Honolulu Thai Massage, is believed to have been involved in human trafficking. A spokesperson for the office says that evidence was collected on-site to assist in the investigation. "
"In a statement, the Century Center condominium said it was cooperating with the citys investigation and had expanded its surveillance camera system so that it could aid in the prosecution of any illegal operations."

The photo shows 27th floor on the frame of the elevator door. This is 2701.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/honolulu-th...spa-honolulu-3

The former Mayflower. That place has a lot of history--and many fond memories

It looks like the door jam to the place was partly destroyed; like HPD just busted in there.

[Redneck 1]

https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2020/1...ating-brothel/

Thanks for posting the link.

From the news article: "The establishment, Honolulu Thai Massage, is believed to have been involved in human trafficking". Church ladies and soccer moms gasp in horror.

There's that all-purpose bugaboo term again, "human trafficking". It seems to be ubiquitous.

Yet, just like in all the cases resulting from the famous Florida operation that implicated Robert Kraft (among various other men and women), my bet is that no convictions for human trafficking will ever result from this publicity-seeking raid.

[HorneyinHilo]

https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2020/1...ating-brothel/

"The establishment, Honolulu Thai Massage, is believed to have been involved in human trafficking. A spokesperson for the office says that evidence was collected on-site to assist in the investigation. "
"In a statement, the Century Center condominium said it was cooperating with the city’s investigation and had expanded its surveillance camera system so that it could aid in the prosecution of any illegal operations."

The photo shows 27th floor on the frame of the elevator door. This is 2701.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/honolulu-th...spa-honolulu-3

[Ass Man808]

https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2020/1...ating-brothel/

Thanks. I was looking earlier on all the news websites but nothing till recently. Thanks.

[Museki]

Anyone hear of a Thai place on the 20 something floor in CC getting raided today?

https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2020/1...ating-brothel/

[Ass Man808]

Anyone hear of a Thai place on the 20 something floor in CC getting raided today?

[MitsFunai]

But it seems they think that human trafficking is only about prostitution and nothing to do about with Fishermen, farm laborers, or garment workers being held against their will. If it is legal to have fishermen, and farm workers, how is it that prostitution must be illegal in order to prevent human trafficking? I don't follow their logic.

The definitions of prostitution and human trafficking sometimes overlap but may be quite different from the realities of both (that's why no make sense). What may seem like one choice may not be; reasons for working KB, AMP, labor, fishing, etc. , may have behind-the-scenes obligations. Be careful out there because getting caught in the wrong (legal / illegal) sting going be sore. IMO only.

[Redneck 1]

It will be interesting to see what defense strategy his attorney uses.

Yes, it will be very interesting. Here's a summary of the prosecution's version of what happened, from the Star-Advertiser.

According to the motion filed by (prosecutor) Puu, the woman's friend introduced her to Hirokawa at a restaurant. They engaged in conversation and exchanged phone numbers before the women left.

Later that night, the victim and Hirokawa texted and agreed to meet, court documents said. A taxi took her to an office building where he was allegedly drinking alcohol heavily with a male friend and appeared to "doze off periodically".

The victim drove Hirokawa's car and took him to his apartment building. He invited her to his place, where she had a sip of wine. The victim then told Hirokawa she needed to leave, when he allegedly forced her into his bedroom. The victim resisted when he allegedly overpowered her, choked her and sexually assaulted her.

At some point, she managed to get off the bed, when Hirokawa allegedly choked her again, stomped on her head and repeatedly punched her genital area.

Court documents said Hirokawa eventually stopped and fell asleep. The victim then exited the apartment naked and entered an elevator, where she crumpled to the floor.

Building security personnel saw the woman via a surveillance video at about 2:05 a.m. They accessed control of the elevator and directed it the lobby floor. Police arrived after the victim managed to tell security Hirokawa's location.

In the unit, police observed a trail of blood leading to the bedroom, where officers found Hirokawa sleeping. Police said there was a substantial amount of blood on the bed sheets, floor and walls, and on Hirokawa's hands. Officers arrested him.

Court documents said the victim went into hemorrhagic shock and was taken in critical condition to The Queens Medical Center. She had a blood transfusion and underwent emergency surgery for a severe wound to her genital area. Puu said the woman remains hospitalized.

The prosecution is also reportedly concerned that Hirokawa may have used a weapon during the incident.

[CheapCharlie]

Heard Tom Lister Jr. Aka Deebo passed away. Just saw him on TV Tuesday, when he was with Deebo Samuel.

[MitsFunai]

It will be interesting to see what defense strategy his attorney uses. We'll find out next February.

AG when file their motion and lis pendens already; they no more anybody with this kine experience. MTH get one good crim defense atty (Alen K.), and pleading innocent. Plenty stuff stay missing from the victim's side. As previously predicted, going be plea deal out but what's more important is victim's condition and wellness (that's the plea deal), IMO.

[JDorian]

It doesn't sound like he's getting away with just a slap on the wrist. He's facing life in prison. He'll be spending a considerable amount of the family fortune to stay out of prison.

It will be interesting to see what defense strategy his attorney uses. We'll find out next February.

https://www.kitv.com/story/43045367/...r-granted-bail

[XAloha]

Anyone know how old Grace Lee is? Been watching her for years. Always thought she was attractive. Kelly Simek is nice to look at also.

I agree. Grace Lee is very attractive. I would go crazy to see her.

[Redneck 1]

Recently, I was reading several news reports about a longtime major league baseball umpire and thirteen other men being arrested in an internet prostitution sting operation in Ohio.

Update: the umpire has pleaded not guilty. Be careful, guys: "According to an arrest report obtained by USA Today, (the umpire) allegedly responded by phone to an online ad posted by authorities under the name 'Kandi'. The umpire allegedly expressed an interest 'in sexual activity for hire with Kandi' and agreed to meet at a motel in Youngstown, Ohio. There, he was arrested".

[Makana9]

Recently, I was reading several news reports about a longtime major league baseball umpire and thirteen other men being arrested in an internet prostitution sting operation in Ohio. The names and mugshots of all those men were then posted on the internet, even though the men are supposed to be presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

What's especially repulsive is the Ohio Attorney General claiming that the sting operation was to reduce demand for "human trafficking," even though (1) the men were only charged with misdemeanor offenses, not with any involvement in human trafficking, and (2) none of the news reports stated that the persons posing as prostitutes were represented to potential customers as anything other than consenting adults. Once again, "human trafficking" is used as the all-purpose "bogeyman" term to attempt to justify expending law enforcement time and resources on these sting operations that result in only misdemeanor charges.

Right on point Sensei Red. Hard to fathom, but sad in our times. All about the mighty Dollar, still waiting for when we should go to world currency of the Euro?