Family: Birano Needs Help, Not Prison
Sister Blames Drugs For Problems With Law
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The family of a parolee who was the subject of a police manhunt this week says that he is a victim of a prison system that failed to rehabilitate him.
Arthur Birano, 30, who was released from prison in February on parole, remains in custody in the police cellblock after being arrested Wednesday night.
Honolulu police suspect him of conducting a crime spree, including an armed home invasion earlier Wednesday and a shooting incident May 7 in the Ala Moana area involving a stolen car. He is also believed to have been involved in other home invasions and the threatening of a Kalihi man at gunpoint.
In a letter to KITV4 News, Birano's sister, who asked that her name not be used, asked why the state threw her brother in prison in 1995 after being convicted of robbery and auto theft.
"Why hasn't he been put into drug rehab instead of prison?" she asks in the letter. "I don't think they rehabilitate your drug problem while you're in Halawa (prison)."
Police said that Birano may have been suffering from a drug overdose when he was arrested Wednesday on Houghtailing Street near his parents' home. He also suffered a broken leg following a short foot chase with officers.
"My brother is someone with a big and kind heart. Unfortunately, he has a hard time dealing with his terrible childhood (in which seems to be the reason for his drug problems)," Birano's sister writes.
She also claims that the state made no attempts to help Birano find a job after being released on parole Feb. 15.
"When my mother asked his parole officer to help my brother in finding a job, she was told 'No. He can get a job himself,'" she wrote. "I know they have work programs for those who are at Laumaka prison. So why is it that this state parole officer can't make a few phone calls to put my brother into the same work program as the others?"
Police searched for Birano for days and said that he had vowed not to be taken alive. They continue to look for two other men who detectives said were involved in Wednesday's home invasion case with Birano.
Birano's sister says that all her brother needs is an opportunity to help himself.
"I know that some day ... I will be able to sponsor him in drug rehab and offer him all that he deserves, a chance at life."
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Arthur Birano, 30, who was released from prison in February on parole, remains in custody in the police cellblock after being arrested Wednesday night.
Honolulu police suspect him of conducting a crime spree, including an armed home invasion earlier Wednesday and a shooting incident May 7 in the Ala Moana area involving a stolen car. He is also believed to have been involved in other home invasions and the threatening of a Kalihi man at gunpoint.
In a letter to KITV4 News, Birano's sister, who asked that her name not be used, asked why the state threw her brother in prison in 1995 after being convicted of robbery and auto theft.
"Why hasn't he been put into drug rehab instead of prison?" she asks in the letter. "I don't think they rehabilitate your drug problem while you're in Halawa (prison)."
Police said that Birano may have been suffering from a drug overdose when he was arrested Wednesday on Houghtailing Street near his parents' home. He also suffered a broken leg following a short foot chase with officers.
"My brother is someone with a big and kind heart. Unfortunately, he has a hard time dealing with his terrible childhood (in which seems to be the reason for his drug problems)," Birano's sister writes.
She also claims that the state made no attempts to help Birano find a job after being released on parole Feb. 15.
"When my mother asked his parole officer to help my brother in finding a job, she was told 'No. He can get a job himself,'" she wrote. "I know they have work programs for those who are at Laumaka prison. So why is it that this state parole officer can't make a few phone calls to put my brother into the same work program as the others?"
Police searched for Birano for days and said that he had vowed not to be taken alive. They continue to look for two other men who detectives said were involved in Wednesday's home invasion case with Birano.
Birano's sister says that all her brother needs is an opportunity to help himself.
"I know that some day ... I will be able to sponsor him in drug rehab and offer him all that he deserves, a chance at life."
- May 16, 2001: HPD Catches Fugitive Parolee
- May 16, 2001: Police Looking for Dangerous Parolee
- May 8, 2001: Police Hunt For Shooting Suspect
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