Kahuku, Hawaii

From the Honolulu Advertiser of March 5, 2005

Farm thefts sharply decline

Farm thefts —once a chronic problem here — have decreased dramatically since a man reportedly stealing from a farmer was shot and killed nearly six months ago, farmers and police said.

No theft reports have been made at Kahuku farms since Marcelino Pacheco Jr. was shot near Khamxath Baccam's farm on Sept. 7.

Baccam, 48, was charged with second-degree murder. His trial is set for the week of July 25.

Police have said Baccam told investigators he shot Pacheco, 38, because he believed that Pacheco had been stealing equipment and produce from his farm.

Baccam's attorney said his client will plead self-defense.

Bouabanh Piasourapany, 49, said recently that other farmers tell her they haven't had any problems since September.

"Everything quiet for now, since September — but next month, I don't know," said Piasourapany, who was weeding in a field of eggplants in Malaekahana Valley.

Piasourapany, whose 13-acre farm is next to Baccam's, said Baccam was repeatedly robbed of his produce and equipment.

Police were called, but "police cannot do anything," she said.

Piasourapany said thieves stole from another farm that she and her husband operated in Kahuku but she has not had a problem in her present location because it is more secluded.

Police said thieves are still ripping off tourists' cars but the September shooting might have been a wake-up call for people stealing from farmers.

(Read the whole thing)

We will follow this gentleman's trial as best we can. We notice a tendency, particularly in blue states like Hawaii, for convictions in such instances to be considered newsworthy, while acquitals are not.