HI SR45

Requests the Department of Public Safety to return Hawaii prisoners held in mainland correctional facilities to Hawaii.

Requests the Department of Public Safety to consider constructing a new prison, re-entry center, or other correctional facility on the Big Island to house returning inmates.

Requires the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and University of Hawaii Center on the Family to collaborate with and assist the Department of Public Safety in planning the return of mainland inmates and facility construction.

Requires the Department of Public Safety to report to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2012 Regular Session convening on progress toward returning Hawaii inmates and constructing new correctional facilities on the Big Island.

Resolution cites disproportionate incarceration rates for Native Hawaiians and the traumatic impact of mainland imprisonment on Hawaiian communities and families.