State Rep. Gene Ward, R-17th (Kalama Valley, Queen's Gate, Hawaii Kai), wants the state Legislature to weigh in on the extradition struggle between Mexico and bounty hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman.
Chapman's attorneys are fighting the extradition of the "Dog" and two associates for their 2003 capture of fugitive rapist and cosmetics heir Andrew Luster in Puerto Vallarta. Mexican authorities allege that Chapman and his crew unlawfully deprived Luster's freedom.
"He did a great thing for all Americans," said Ward, who added that the "Dog'"is a constituent.
Ward has proposed a House resolution that would ask the Mexican government and courts to drop any extradition attempts against "Dog." Ward has also encouraged the "Dog's"' posse — fans of his A&E cable show — to turn out for a hearing on the resolution at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday before the House International Affairs Committee.
The "Dog" created a stir at the state Capitol last session when he and his wife, Beth, testified against a bill that would have prevented ex-felons like Chapman from being bounty hunters.
Chapman claimed the bill was the work of rival bounty hunters jealous of his success. The bill died.