Like announces run for prosecuting attorney

LIHU‘E — Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca “Becky” Like announced her candidacy for prosecuting attorney in the upcoming special election to fill the spot soon to be vacated by Prosecuting Attorney Justin Kollar.

Like, whose last name is pronounced “lee-kay,” has worked at the Prosecutor’s Office for the last 11 years, the last nine as second deputy. During that time, she has led her office in setting policy decisions, managerial responsibilities and supervising newer deputies, while maintaining a caseload.

“I hope to continue the progress our office has made in increasing victim services, working with the Kaua‘i Police Department, advancing technology and adapting policies to deal with new challenges,” said Like.

”I am fortunate to have been part of a leadership team that is part of a national network of progressive prosecutors who are hoping to change the system from the inside out.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Kaua‘i, Like states that the Prosecutor’s Office was forced to change the way it handled cases literally overnight.

“We went from being in court every day to teleworking and very limited court appearances. As we start to adapt to life with COVID, we have had to rethink the way we do business.” This means increased use of remote technologies, limiting court appearances and diverting more cases to limit in-person contact.

Although the crisis was sudden and not expected, Like is hopeful that it will lead to more transparency and community engagement with the criminal-justice system. “The increased use of remote technologies opens the door for increased public participation and less in-person court appearances.”

Like lives in Anahola, where she plans to raise her two sons with her husband Kaipo. Like attended law school at Lewis and Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon after graduating from Portland State University with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a minor in criminal justice. After law school, she clerked for a judge on Maui who was also a former prosecutor. Additionally, she has held a number of leadership roles in the community, including president of the Rotary Club of Kaua‘i in 2016-17 and president of the Kaua‘i Bar Association in 2018.

Like is endorsed by Kollar, who will be stepping down at the end of September. “Rebecca’s years of experience and dedication to protecting victims’ rights make her an ideal prosecutor. She understands the prosecutor’s mission of seeking justice and has the respect of her colleagues. She is a leader and a skilled attorney and I’m confident she is the right person to lead OPA into the future,” Kollar stated.

Like encourages people to check out her website, rebeccalike.org, and learn more about her history, community endorsements and priorities. Campaign updates will be posted to her social-media pages.

“My top priorities are public safety and access to the appropriate resources. I hope to continue to serve our community, and I humbly ask for your support in moving Kaua‘i forward,” she said.