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"Dog" Chapman Testifies Against Bounty Hunter Bill
Charles Fisher
(KHNL-TV) Hawaii's world famous bounty hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman
went on the hunt at the State Capitol Thursday. He voiced his
opposition to a bill that he says threatens his livelihood.
The hearing started with Chapman introducing himself, "My name is
Duane "Dog" Chapman, and I've been a bail enforcement or bounty
hunter for 27 years."
Fans and friends held signs saying, "We need the Dog" and "In Dog we
Trust".
Chapman told lawmakers, "Bounty hunters provide a great service to
the state of Hawaii."
With a celebrity in the hot seat, members of the House Judiciary
Committee are considering a bill that would regulate Chapman's and
seven other local bail agencies.
More than a dozen states regulate bounty hunters. Chapman agrees, "I
absolutely believe Hawaii needs to do that, but this is not the way."
The bill requires bounty hunters have permission to enter the
fugitive's hideout.
"If guy has address of his auntie you just can't kick auntie's door
in," said Chapman.
The new bill would prohibit someone from becoming a bounty hunter if
they were ever convicted of a felony or weapons violation. Chapman
was convicted of murder in 1977, but was released two years later.
When Chapman started his business in 1989 there were just three bail
bonds agencies. Now there are eight.
Charles Fisher is another bounty hunter, but he supports the bill.
"There are parts of bill that deserve attention people should be
trained and licensed in this. I have a gardner who works in my yard
and he has to have a license to plant a flower," said Fisher.
Chapman says he won't let competition stand in his way.
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