The Hawaii State Public Library System lost an estimated $45,000 worth of audio compact discs in 1997 because of a scam involving false identities and illicit library cards, according to the December 19 Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Two suspects who used stolen IDs to obtain library cards are wanted by the police for stealing 356 music CDs. A total of 3,000 recordings have been stolen from the libraries, said Roger Downward, administrative assistant to the state librarian.
State Librarian Bart Kane told reporters that with limited funding resources "it will be very difficult for the Hawaii State Public Library System to replace all of the music compact discs missing." The libraries have placed a five-CD limit on borrowing.
Posted January 5, 1998.