HI SCR162

Urges the Governor to begin discussions and establish public-private partnerships to build prisons, re-entry centers, drug treatment facilities, and other correctional facilities in Hawaii.

Identifies that over $50,000,000 in Hawaii funds are spent annually to incarcerate inmates on the mainland, with these funds benefiting mainland economies rather than circulating in Hawaii.

Notes documented problems at mainland facilities including sexual assaults of female prisoners, who were recently returned from Kentucky, and issues with incarcerated men.

Highlights that public-private partnerships would allow facilities to be constructed without upfront state funding, with ownership reverting to the State after all payments are completed.

States that partnerships would create local construction and public safety jobs while enabling inmates to maintain closer family support for rehabilitation and re-entry efforts.