STAND. COM. REP. NO. 132-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: H.B. No. 2311

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Corrections, Military, & Veterans, to which was referred H.B. No. 2311 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO NATIVE HAWAIIAN REHABILITATION PROGRAMS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Require the Department of Public Safety, in collaboration with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, to create a rehabilitation program for prison inmates that puts an emphasis on preserving Native Hawaiian values and cultural practices; and

(2) Appropriate funds for the program.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Public Safety, Opportunity Youth Action Hui, Hawaii Health & Harm Reduction Center, Community Alliance on Prisons, Women's Prison Project, and four individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance and Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Your Committee finds that the Native Hawaiian population is disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system. Creating a rehabilitation program that specifically addresses Native Hawaiian values and cultural practices is one way to help inmates feel less disenfranchised and support their reintegration into society upon release.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

Your Committee notes that the Office of Hawaiian Affairs has requested further consultation to address the intention and possible implementation of this measure. Your Committee encourages the Department of Public Safety, community groups, and state and county agencies to consult with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs on this measure.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Corrections, Military, & Veterans that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2311, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2311, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Corrections, Military, & Veterans,

____________________________

TAKASHI OHNO, Chair