Video Transcript

Aloha and Hafa-adai,

I’m Sam Miranda, special agent in charge of the FBI Honolulu Field Office. 

Recently we have seen how acts of violence around the world have caused stress and anxiety in our local communities.

Many of these acts were motivated by xenophobia, racism, and intolerance. This is unacceptable.

A hate crime is a criminal act, like murder, arson, or vandalism, perpetrated against someone because of their race, religion, ethnicity, disability, gender or gender identity, or sexual orientation.

What makes it a hate crime is the added element of bias.

The FBI is committed to protecting the civil liberties of all persons, such as freedom of speech, and freedom of assembly.

However, criminal activity and violence against others motivated by bias, are not protected by our constitution.  

Hate crimes are not only an attack on the victim, but an attack on the entire community, and the FBI will bring all its resources to bear, to investigate these criminal acts.  

We will vigorously pursue and bring to justice those who target others just because of their differences.

If you feel that you are victim of a hate crime or know someone who is, please contact the Honolulu FBI at 808-566-4300.

Mahalo.