HI SCR152

Requests the Department of Public Safety and Department of Accounting and General Services to study the feasibility of establishing a public-private partnership for constructing and operating prisons in Hawaii.

Directs the departments to identify specific prison site locations and hold at least one public hearing in each affected community before designating any site.

Requires the departments to produce a detailed report comparing estimated construction costs, annual debt service costs, and annual operating costs for publicly financed versus public-private prison projects.

Mandates the departments to submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2012 Regular Session convening.

Cites reasons for the study including Hawaii's insufficient prison capacity, aging facilities, potential job creation, and ability to house inmates closer to families and communities.