HI HB347

Legislature finds high rates of substance abuse among native Hawaiian youth, with eighth and tenth grade native Hawaiian students ranking highest among all ethnic groups in use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.

Legislature determines that culturally-based substance abuse treatment and intervention programs utilizing Hawaiian paradigms of ho'oponopono (restoring relationships) and aloha 'aina (sustainable living) are needed to address root causes of substance abuse.

Department of Public Safety is directed to prepare a plan for creating a pu'uhonua (wellness center) on state-owned or controlled lands, with preference given to the former Kulani minimum security prison site in East Hawaii.

Department of Public Safety must report its findings, recommendations, and any necessary budget requests to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2012 regular legislative session.