Here’s a little tidbit from the 1978 annual report of the Hawaii Crime Commission concerning organized crime in the state.

…the greatest potential ‘for harm exists when organized crime can form a “linkage” between the illegitimate world of street crime and the power centers of legitimate society.

Such a linkage has been shown to exist in every locality where organized crime has grown significantly. What occurs is the duping, timidity, or corruption of officials who by active or passive-involvement strengthen organized crime activities. Breaking this linkage is an important aim of the Commission’s investigations and recommendations….

Several conclusions were reached as a result of this part of the study. First, victims were not limited to organized crime members but rather included a cross-section of our society–hardened criminals and innocent citizens, men and.women, old and young, rich and poor, and people from all ethnic groups. However, nearly all the victims had established some kind of relationship with organized criminals.

Second, for the last ten years organized crime killings averaged five or six per year, which accounted for some 10-15% of the total number of murders each year in Hawaii.

Third, beyond their significance for specific purposes, these killings maintained the general aura of violence surrounding organized crime. This reputation has been responsible for generating the atmosphere of general fear in Hawaii, which is fundamental to the success of syndicate activities.