Extending statue for rape an excellent idea

On Feb. 26, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill that would extend the statue of limitations in class A felonies from sic to ten years.

Unlike murder cases, which have no limitations, the ability to prosecute a suspected sexual assailant expires after six years. Because of the current statute, the 1991 kidnapping, rape, and murder of Dana Ireland could only continue after 1997 under the murder charge.

Extending the time period on the statute of limitations is an excellent notion.

According to the Big Island prosecutor's office, new technology has made it possible to identify suspects long after a crime is committed. Considering the severity of sexual assault, it seems only proper to equip the judicial system with the means to sentence sexual offenders, regardless of the time period.

Sexual assault is a serious crime. If one is guilty of such a felony, one should be sentenced, pure and simple. It should not be excused simply because it was committed more than six years ago.