HI HB148

Establishes criteria the director of public safety must consider before transferring inmates to other correctional facilities within Hawaii, including whether inmates can continue rehabilitation programs and whether volunteers exist for transfer.

Amends Section 353-16.2 to require the director to consider family visitation disruptions, specifically whether inmates regularly participate in extended family leave visitations with children under age 18, before transferring them to mainland prisons.

Requires consideration of whether inmates are enrolled in vocational, educational, treatment, or reentry programs that cannot be resumed at the out-of-state facility before approving mainland transfers.

Gives preference in transfers to inmates who volunteer for mainland placement to achieve cost savings.

Takes effect on July 1, 2011.