Sex offender laws need to be refined

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Dec 04, 2012

~~<p>Recent high-profile cases in Hawaii involving sexual predators, and subsequent review of the 1997-created sex offender registry and related laws, are revealing holes in the public safety net. For instance, the state does not know the whereabouts of one in five registered offenders and many may conceal being on the list. State legislators need to solicit testimony next session about how the system should be improved and make refinements.</p>
<p>Many other states appear to share the complicated problem. Unlike at least 26 other states, Hawaii does not restrict where sex offenders can live or work. This is one area that needs serious consideration, at least when it comes to sex offenders whose crimes involved minors.</p>
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Recent high-profile cases in Hawaii involving sexual predators, and subsequent review of the 1997-created sex offender registry and related laws, are revealing holes in the public safety net. For instance, the state does not know the whereabouts of one in five registered offenders and many may conceal being on the list. State legislators need to solicit testimony next session about how the system should be improved and make refinements.

Many other states appear to share the complicated problem. Unlike at least 26 other states, Hawaii does not restrict where sex offenders can live or work. This is one area that needs serious consideration, at least when it comes to sex offenders whose crimes involved minors. Login for more...