Office Overview

The United States Attorney is the chief federal law enforcement officer in the District of Hawaii and is appointed by the President. United States Attorneys and their Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSA) prosecute violations of federal law and represent federal agencies in federal courts. They also collect debts owed the federal government. United States Attorneys are not permitted to represent private individuals or businesses, nor are they permitted to give legal advice to members of the public. The office has 23 AUSAs and approximately 40 support staff members.

Criminal Division

The Criminal Division is divided into two sections:

Narcotics and Violent Crime Section – This Section supports the Honolulu Homeland Security Task Force and prosecutes violent offenses, narcotics trafficking, organized and transnational crime, firearms and explosives offenses, immigration and customs offenses, human trafficking, and child exploitation offenses.

Major Crimes Section - This Section prosecutes fraud, identity theft, public corruption, national-security and cyber offenses, civil-rights and election offenses, financial and tax offenses, and export control offenses.

Civil Division

The Civil Division represents the government in civil actions, both as plaintiff and defendant.  Defensive cases include representing the United States in Federal Tort Claims Act cases, administrative appeals, and employment discrimination. In other cases, AUSAs pursue, on behalf of the United States, civil fraud, False Claims Act cases and health and defense contractor fraud. The Financial Litigation Unit, part of the Civil Division, handles federal liens and collects criminal fines and federal debts.

Administrative Division 

The Administrative Division works closely with all levels of staff to support the mission of the of the office. This division is responsible for all administrative programs for the office. Departments within the division include budget, finance, human resources, information technology, procurement, and support services.