HONOLULU — A state legislative committee has approved a bill that would end an unusual provision in Hawaii law that permits police to have sex with prostitutes.
HONOLULU — A state legislative committee has approved a bill that would end an unusual provision in Hawaii law that permits police to have sex with prostitutes.
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced a larger bill on Friday that cracks down on prostitution after amending it to include the provision involving police conduct.
Honolulu police have tried to maintain the exemption allowing sex as a way to keep secret the methods of undercover officers.
Lawmakers were assured that officers do not abuse that protection. The bill previously passed the House with the exemption intact.
State senators last week announced their intention to remove it..
House Judiciary Committee chairman Clayton Hee said Friday that police will still be allowed to negotiate and agree to have sex during investigations.