HI HCR295

Recognizes and commends the Office of Hawaiian Affairs for conducting a study on disparate treatment of Native Hawaiians in Hawaii's criminal-justice system, conducted in partnership with the Justice Policy Institute, Georgetown University, and University of Hawaii.

Study found that Native Hawaiians receive longer prison sentences and probation terms than most other ethnic groups when controlling for age, gender, and severity of charge.

Study demonstrated that the disproportionate impact of the criminal-justice system on Native Hawaiians accumulates at each stage of the system.

Report released in September 2010 included recommendations to reform the criminal-justice system to embrace Native Hawaiian cultural values, establish a task force to review findings, and reduce punitive aspects of the system.

Directs transmission of a certified copy of the concurrent resolution to the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.