Internet predators, deadbeat parents and people who drink alcohol in open areas of public housing could find themselves hit by Hawaii laws taking effect in the new year.

Nine new laws passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Linda Lingle take effect tomorrow, Jan. 1.

The governor's office says one law makes an online registry of convicted sex offenders more useful to law enforcement and the public. Part of the law took effect earlier - a section that imposes a 10-year prison sentence on those convicted of communicating electronically with a child for sex and then traveling to meet the child.

Another law puts more pressure on those failing to pay child support, medical support or other remedial care.

And alcohol may no longer be consumed on public sidewalks or on roofs, in hallways, on stairs, in yards or gardens or in other areas of public housing.

“;Drinking in the common areas of public housing facilities has been a long-standing problem and this new law makes it clear that the police have jurisdiction to take corrective action when public drinking occurs,”; said a year-end news release from Lingle's office.

The governor is also calling attention to new laws that will increase financial reporting requirements of charitable trusts and organizations, strengthen penalties against notaries public for criminal misconduct, tighten compliance and training requirements for procurement officers, amend the insurance investment law, and enhance regulations of the money-transmitters industry.

The law affecting charities also opens the way for the attorney general to review their financial reports for potential violations and conduct investigations. The law on money transactions requires criminal background checks on money transmitters, allows sharing of data with other states and federal agencies, and increases fees.