Bill Text: HI SR65 | 2016 | Regular Session | Introduced

---

Bill Title: Department of Public Safety; Puuhonua Program; Post-Incarceration; Rehabilitation

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-0)

Status: (Passed) 2016-04-07 - Report and Resolution Adopted. [SR65 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2016-SR65-Introduced.html

---

THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	65
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

 

 

urging the state to ESTABLISH the puuhonua program in the department of public safety for the continued REHABILITATION of post-incarcerated persons, parolees, and probationers.

 

 

     WHEREAS, the State places a high priority on rehabilitating offenders and reducing recidivism, thereby decreasing the high costs associated with incarceration; and

 

     WHEREAS, the existing Reentry Commission works with the Department of Public Safety to monitor and review the offender reentry program; however, the Commission is not responsible for post-release programs and services; and

 

     WHEREAS, in ancient Hawaii, puuhonua were designated sites in each district that were places of refuge for women, children, old or ailing men in times of war, vanquished warriors, and fleeing criminals; and

 

     WHEREAS, puuhonua were safe and inviolable healing sites that provided refuge and protection for the guilty and the innocent; and

 

     WHEREAS, the concept of puuhonua can be applied to establish the Puuhonua Program to support men and women who have made wrong decisions, are incarcerated, and are later released from incarceration; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-eighth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2016, that the State is urged to establish the Puuhonua Program in the Department of Public Safety for the continued rehabilitation of post-incarcerated persons, parolees, and probationers; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Public Safety may accept funding from non-profit organizations and other non-government agencies to ensure necessary resources are available for the establishment of the Puuhonua Program; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Puuhonua Program is requested to support and work with post-incarcerated persons, parolees, and probationers in the transition from incarceration to society; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Puuhonua Program is requested to develop partnerships with businesses, non-profit organizations, churches, unions, government agencies, schools, and other organizations, that focus on assisting post-incarcerated persons, parolees, and probationers; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Puuhonua Program is requested to develop a network of support and assistance to address housing, healthcare, vocational training, skill building, drug treatment, job searching, counseling, mentoring, mental health issues, and other needs of post-incarcerated persons, parolees, and probationers, as necessary; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor and Director of Public Safety.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title: 

Department of Public Safety; Puuhonua Program; Post-Incarceration; Rehabilitation