Posted on: Tuesday, December 4, 2001

Sex offenders' move delayed

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

The Hawai'i Paroling Authority has agreed to delay transferring a program for 83 convicted sex offenders to its downtown office until the first of the year while officials look for alternative sites.

The authority plans to shut down its Waiakamilo Road office and consolidate operations at its 1177 Alakea St. building. The move, set for Monday, would send about 340 parolees to the downtown location, including 83 convicted sex offenders.

The building is within walking distance of St. Andrew's Priory School, Central Middle and Royal Elementary, and Hawai'i Pacific University. School officials have said they fear for the safety of their students.

About 100 parents gathered last night at the Priory's gym and pleaded with Paroling Authority administrator Tommy Johnson to move the program somewhere else.

"Of all the places this could be, this is the absolute worst, because of the all-girls school," said Nanette Smallwood, whose daughter is a senior at the Priory.

Several parents criticized the state for citing budget constraints as a reason to consolidate. Money, they said, should not be placed ahead of the welfare of children.

However, Johnson said public safety was one of the reasons for the move. He told the group that the Waiakamilo office is close to eight schools and to the state's Child Protective Services office, and the lease prohibits the state from installing a security system there. The Alakea Street building has a security system.

Johnson and Paroling Authority Chairman Al Beaver met yesterday with school officials, City Council Chairman Jon Yoshimura and Sen. Rod Tam, D-13th (Downtown, Pauoa, Nu'uanu). Johnson and Beaver agreed to delay moving the sex offenders until the first of next year to give government officials a chance to find a new site.

Johnson said the only state facility being considered is at the Department of Public Safety on Ala Moana and it would have to undergo extensive renovations.

Johnson said the Paroling Authority will move to Kapolei when an appropriate facility is built.

Yoshimura said he will look for city office space as an alternative to the Alakea site.