HI HR19

Request Department of Public Safety to develop rehabilitation programs offered in lieu of incarceration for eligible convicted individuals, focusing on job skills and life skills training in areas such as business, agriculture, mechanics, and carpentry.

Highlight that Hawaii's corrections budget grew from $128,000,000 in 2000 to $225,000,000 in 2009, with incarceration costs exceeding $36,500 per year per inmate compared to approximately $15,000 annually to educate a student.

Note that current incarceration without rehabilitation offers little return on taxpayer investment and often results in recidivism, while rehabilitation programs could improve community reintegration and reduce repeat offenses.

Require Department of Public Safety to submit a report with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the 2013 Regular Session.

Direct transmission of the resolution to the Director of Public Safety, Governor, Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court, and the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs for distribution to member civic clubs.