Hawaii House Bill HB888

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/21
• Refer: 1/29/21
• Report Pass: 3/4/21
• Engrossed: 3/9/21
• Refer: 3/11/21

Caption

Relating To Covered Offender Registration.

Impact

The bill would amend Section 846E-2 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to require that any person who has been designated as a covered offender in another state, which includes various classifications such as sex offenders or repeat offenders, must register in Hawaii if they establish residency or stay for an extended time. This adjustment means that those with serious offenses in other jurisdictions must comply with Hawaii’s registration requirements, thereby bolstering local public safety measures and helping to monitor individuals within the state's borders effectively.

Summary

House Bill 888 is a legislative proposal aimed at amending the existing statutes related to covered offender registration in Hawaii. The bill arises from the Hawaii Supreme Court's decision in Doe v. Connors, which determined that individuals convicted of certain offenses in other states may not be required to register as sex offenders in Hawaii if those offenses do not adequately match Hawaii's definitions of covered offenses. This change seeks to close potential loopholes in the enforcement of sex offender registration laws, ensuring that individuals who are recognized as sex offenders in other jurisdictions are also subject to registration requirements when residing in or visiting Hawaii for extended periods.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 888 appears largely supportive, especially among those prioritizing public safety. Proponents argue that the legislation is essential for maintaining community safety by ensuring that offenders from other states can be monitored effectively. However, some concerns have been raised about the implications of these changes on personal freedoms, as they may extend the registration requirements even to those individuals whose offenses do not correspond to Hawaiian law. Nevertheless, the general consensus suggests a strong inclination toward tightening regulations on sex offenders.

Contention

One of the points of contention surrounding HB 888 is related to the perceived fairness and potential overreach of requiring registration for out-of-state offenders whose offenses may not align with Hawaii's definitions of a covered offense. Opponents may argue that this leads to an unjustly broad interpretation of who should be classified as a covered offender, potentially impacting those who might be rehabilitated or pose little to no risk to public safety. The amendment intends to ensure compliance yet remains a subject of debate regarding individual rights versus community safety.