Like Sworn In as Kaua‘i Prosecuting Attorney

Kaua‘i County has a new prosecuting attorney.

Rebecca Like and her cabinet took the oath of office Monday during an official swearing-in ceremony officiated by Judge Randal G. B. Valenciano, according to a news release from the county Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.

“I am honored and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead such a talented and experienced team as we continue to move our office forward,” said Like in the news release. “I promise to lead with accountability and transparency, and I do not take this obligation lightly. We are looking forward to a return to a sense of normalcy in our office post-pandemic and are confident that we can continue to deliver the public safety our island home deserves.”

Like has been a deputy prosecuting attorney since 2010. During her time at the prosecutor’s office, she has handled every type of case. Prior to that, she clerked for the Honorable Joseph Cardoza on Maui after graduating from law school at Lewis and Clark in Portland, Ore. She lives with her husband and two sons in Anahola.

As the county’s prosecuting attorney, Like oversees a staff of 36 employees, including 13 deputy attorneys and 23 support personnel. She appointed Keola Siu as first deputy prosecuting attorney.

The county prosecuting attorney’s office is responsible for pursuing criminal charges when someone is accused of a criminal offense, and represents the state in those cases. The office also handles various aspects of criminal investigations before charges are filed, such as assisting the Kaua‘i Police Department in securing search warrants, and post-sentencing, such as attending parole hearings when individuals become eligible for parole.

“However, our primary duties are the filing of criminal charges varying in severity from traffic offenses to murder, and handling those cases as they proceed through the criminal justice system,” Like said in the news release. “It is our ethical responsibility to pursue justice in every case.”

For more information about the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, click here.