Select an option below to continue reading this premium story.
Already a Honolulu Star-Advertiser subscriber? Log in now to continue reading.
Even the most criminal-friendly advocates would agree that people accused of a crime must show up to court. But dodging court seems to be a way of life here and there are few consequences.
Last year the Honolulu Police Department made 5,990 arrests for criminal contempt of court, but records show no one was punished with jail time specifically for failing to appear. Missing court used to be considered serious disrespect of the system with a 30-day maximum sentence.
These days, judges seem to enable contempt as they routinely release people on their own recognizance (ROR) who have never returned to court voluntarily.
In my Waikiki neighborhood, data shows that 76% of ROR releases fail to return. At the end of a 12-month period, I found close to 40% of those cases still had outstanding warrants, which means the defendants may get off scot-free.
John Deutzman
Waikiki
EXPRESS YOURSELF
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser welcomes all opinions. Want your voice to be heard? Submit a letter to the editor.
>> Write us: We welcome letters up to 150 words, and guest columns of 500-600 words. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Include your name, address and daytime phone number.
>> Mail: Letters to the Editor, Honolulu Star-Advertiser 7 Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana, Suite #7-500 Honolulu, HI 96813
>> Contact: 529-4831 (phone), letters@staradvertiser.com, staradvertiser.com/editorial/submit-letter Opens in a new tab
