HI HR260

Recognizes and commends the Office of Hawaiian Affairs for conducting a study on disparate treatment of Native Hawaiians in Hawaii's criminal-justice system, requested by the Legislature in 2009.

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

Research was conducted in collaboration with the Justice Policy Institute, Georgetown University, and University of Hawaii, using both quantitative and qualitative methods with community-based participatory approaches.

Report recommends reforming the criminal-justice system to embrace Native Hawaiian cultural values, establishing a task force to review findings, and reducing punitive aspects of the system.

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