Bill Text: HI SB2629 | 2016 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Puuhonua Commission; Post-incarcerated Persons; Reintegration; Special Fund
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2016-02-08 - Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. [SB2629 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2016-SB2629-Amended.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2629 |
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TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE PUUHONUA COMMISSION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that in ancient Hawaii specific sites were set aside in each district and designated as places of refuge. These sites, known as puuhonua, were used as sanctuaries for women, children, old or ailing men in times of war; vanquished warriors fleeing from their would be annihilators; criminals fleeing from vengeful pursuers; and law breakers fleeing from punishment. The puuhonua were inviolable and their protection extended to the guilty as well as the innocent. These sanctuaries further served as healing centers and were safe, secure areas intended to provide a haven and positive benefit for those utilizing them.
The legislature further finds that the concept of puuhonua can be revitalized within today's correctional system to support men and women who have previously made wrong decisions in their lives. The legislature additionally finds that puuhonua should be incorporated into the State's correctional system and department of public safety.
The purpose of this Act is to create a puuhonua commission, within the department of public safety, to provide formerly incarcerated individuals a place to heal or become whole again in a way that benefits society and a puuhonua commission advisory committee within each county to advise the puuhonua commission on local needs of the county.
SECTION 2. Chapter 353, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I, to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§353- Puuhonua commission; established. (a) There is established within the department of public safety for administrative purposes the puuhonua commission. The commission shall work with post-incarcerated persons, probationers, and parolees to assist these individuals in the transition post-incarceration to society. The commission shall develop partnerships with businesses, nonprofit organizations, churches, unions, government agencies, schools, and other entities and organizations that focus on assisting post-incarcerated persons, parolees, and probationers. The commission shall develop a network of support and assistance to address housing, healthcare, vocational training, skill building, drug treatment, job searches, counseling, mentorship, mental health issues, and other needs of post-incarcerated persons, parolees, and probationers, as necessary.
(b) The commission shall meet at least once each quarter to: review data and information from the commission's network of support; review data provided by government agencies and partners; interact with those who are in need of or who are utilizing the commission's services; and address other issues as needed.
(c) The commission may make recommendations to the governor, legislature, county mayors, and county councils on matters relevant to the commission's work.
(d) The commission shall consist of nine members to be appointed as follows:
(1) Three members shall be appointed by the governor pursuant to section 26-34; provided that at least one member shall be a former inmate;
(2) Two members shall be appointed by the governor from a list of nominees submitted by the president of the senate;
(3) Two members shall be appointed by the governor from a list of nominees submitted by the speaker of the house of representatives; and
(4) Two members shall be appointed by the governor from a list of nominees submitted by the office of Hawaiian affairs.
(e) The terms of the members shall be four years, and no person shall be appointed consecutively to more than two terms, in accordance with section 26-34.
(f) There is to be established in each of the counties of the State a puuhonua commission advisory committee. Each committee shall consist of three members to be appointed as follows: one member shall be appointed by the governor pursuant to section 26-34; and two members shall be appointed by the mayor of the appropriate county. Each committee shall meet at least once each quarter. Each committee shall inform the puuhonua commission of the needs of probationers, parolees, and post-incarcerated persons within the county.
(g) Members of the commission and the advisory committees shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed from the puuhonua commission special fund for necessary and reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, including travel expenses, pending availability of funds.
(h) There is established in the state treasury the puuhonua commission special fund, into which shall be deposited:
(1) Appropriations from the legislature; and
(2) All revenues from grants or donations made to the commission.
Moneys in the puuhonua commission special fund shall be expended by the department of public safety to support the puuhonua commission and puuhonua commission advisory committees."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Report Title:
Puuhonua Commission; Post-incarcerated Persons; Reintegration; Special Fund
Description:
Establishes the puuhonua commission within the department of public safety to help post-incarcerated persons, probationers, and parolees reintegrate into society. Creates county advisory committees to advise the commission. Establishes a special fund. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
