Hawaii considering a ‘silver alert’ for seniors

HONOLULU (AP) _ Hawaii lawmakers are considering the creation of a “silver alert” notification system so the public can help when seniors are missing.

The proposal would create a program similar to the Maile Alert for missing children. The Maile Alert is a cooperative effort in each county that brings together police departments, broadcasters and state and county agencies when children are reported missing.

The silver alert would be used when seniors with impaired mental conditions are reported missing by their families—if there is reason to believe the disappearance is a threat to the senior’s health and safety.

The House Human Services Committee will have a public hearing on the measure Thursday morning.