Bill > SR105

This resolution requests the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to gradually and methodically reduce the number of inmates housed in private, out-of-state correctional facilities, acknowledging the long-standing practice of transferring Hawaii inmates to mainland private prisons and recognizing the significant negative impacts of this approach. The resolution highlights that these out-of-state transfers effectively exile inmates thousands of miles from their families and support networks, contrary to the original legislative intent when Act 208 was passed in 1994, which aimed to limit transfers of individuals with strong community ties. The Department is specifically requested to submit progress reports to the Legislature before the regular sessions of 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030, detailing its efforts to reduce out-of-state inmate populations, with the ultimate goal of phasing out the practice of transferring inmates to privately-operated mainland correctional facilities. The resolution will be transmitted to the Governor and the Director of Corrections and Rehabilitation, signaling a formal request for systematic change in the state's correctional practices.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SR&billnumber=105&year=2025