Senate Majority Caucus

A message from the Senate Public Safety Committee.
By Sen. Will Espero

As Chair of the Senate Public Safety Committee, I am working on many bills to increase public safety in our state. I will highlight several today for your input and comments.

The brutal murder of Karen Ertell in her own home by a 15 year old neighbor rocked our Ewa Beach community on the morning of May 25, 2007. As a juvenile in family court, the killer would have his murder trial closed to the public, and if convicted, be eligible for release by his 19th birthday. The charge of murder means the killer planned out taking the life of the victim before carrying out his deadly, violent act. I believe that when a 15 year old is charged with first or second degree murder, the trial should be held in the public arena, and not behind the closed doors of family court. My proposed legislation would require all 15 year olds accused of murder to be tried as adults, and if found guilty, serve time in juvenile detention, then be transferred to an adult prison upon reaching 18 years old. (more…)

By Honolulu Advertiser Staff Writer Dan Nakaso

Hawai’i would join other states with a registry of convicted murderers — similar to the state’s sex-offender registry — under legislation that may be introduced next year.

State Sen. Will Espero, head of the state Senate’s Public Safety Committee, plans to introduce a bill that would create a registry

(more…)

By Hawaii State Senator Will Espero

There are inmates who must be kept in prison due to the nature of their crimes. There are also non-violent inmates who could probably be released with proper supervision, monitoring, assistance, and programs. Our prison population is increasing, and a different approach to handling our offenders must be implemented. Eventually, the majority of offenders will be released into our society to integrate with us.

(more…)

By Hawaii State Senator Will Espero

Let’s make no mistake about this: the Legislature cares about public safety. We want to reduce the incidence of repeat offenses by former inmates. We want to relieve prison overcrowding. The reality is that most offenders will complete their prison terms and go back into the community. The corrections system should, in that time while the

(more…)