The nicknamed “Chapman Resolution” to be heard in the House of Representatives tomorrow, Wednesday, March 7th, at 9 a.m. This is a special concurrent resolution which will also include the Senate.
HONOLULU – A much-anticipated emergency hearing in the Hawaii House of Representatives supporting DOG THE BOUNTY HUNTER trio Duane “Dog” Chapman, Timothy “Youngblood” Chapman, and Leland Chapman, regarding the extradition charges against them, is scheduled for tomorrow, as follows:
WHO: Duane “Dog” Chapman and the Chapman family will be in attendance.
WHAT: Hearing on House Concurrent Resolution 50, introduced by State Representative Gene Ward (Rep.-Hawaii Kai-Kalama Valley)
WHEN: Wednesday, March 7, 2007 • 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Hawaii State Capitol, Room 329 (International Affairs Committee)
HOW: Supporters are welcome to join us at the hearing. Those unable to make it can still send testimony to (e-mail) PAR@capitol.hawaii.gov or (fax) 808-587-0793.
(NOTE: Please do not send testimony to Rep. Ward’s office, at it is past the deadline and must go directly to PAR.)
Last month, Rep. Ward introduced House Concurrent Resolution 50, requesting that the Hawaii State Legislature stand up and support the Chapmans, and ask the government and courts of Mexico to drop their extradition proceedings against them.
Duane “Dog” Chapman committed to personally appear before the International Affairs Committee which is hearing the measure.
Once Resolution 50 passes the committee, it will be referred to the House Judiciary Committee for a second hearing, and then is expected to move forward to passage.
Ward said he has been receiving testimony “from all over the world on this issue.” Ward added, “It is not something the people of Hawaii and the nation are taking lightly; the Dog needs to be free from a Mexican jail.”
Dog, his wife and partner Beth Chapman, Tim, Leland, and the rest of the Chapman ‘ohana will be in attendance at the hearing.
“We are humbled and extremely grateful to Rep. Ward and the entire Hawaii State Legislature for stepping forward with this resolution,” said Chapman. “It means so much because this is our home and we love Hawaii, so to have such an official show of support like this is overwhelming. God bless them for giving us hope during this challenging time, despite their already busy schedules. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!” Background Duane “Dog” Chapman, star of the top-rated A&E television show DOG THE BOUNTY HUNTER, was arrested on September 14, 2006, by U.S. marshals in Hawaii on charges of illegal detention in his June 18, 2003 capture in Mexico of cosmetics heir Andrew Luster.
Also arrested were Leland Chapman, Duane’s son, and Timothy Chapman, their associate.
The three spent one night in the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu, and were released after posting bail.
Since the arrest, hundreds of thousands of fans from across the country and around the world – including over 50 members of Congress – have been pleading with the U.S. and Mexican authorities for their freedom, holding them up as heroes for bringing serial rapist Luster to justice.
Luster is serving a 124-year prison sentence for his heinous crimes against the women he drugged, raped, and videotaped. Most recently, the Federal Court for the Second District in Guadalajara, Mexico, issued a ruling which was not in the Chapmans’ favor.
However, they have filed an appeal with the federal circuit court and continue to pray for justice and full exoneration.
They currently remain free.
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