Bill > HR148

This resolution requests the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to gradually and systematically reduce the number of Hawaii inmates housed in private, out-of-state correctional facilities, acknowledging the long-standing practice of sending prisoners to mainland private prisons has significant negative consequences. The resolution highlights that this practice effectively exiles inmates thousands of miles from their families and support networks, contrary to the original legislative intent when Act 208 was passed in 1994, which was meant to prevent transferring individuals with strong community ties. The Department is specifically asked to submit progress reports to the Legislature before the regular sessions of 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030, detailing its incremental efforts to decrease the number of inmates in these out-of-state facilities. By requesting these reports and a systematic reduction, the resolution aims to address ongoing issues of prison overcrowding and the detrimental impacts of mass incarceration, with the ultimate goal of bringing more inmates back to facilities within Hawaii.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HR&billnumber=148&year=2025