HI HR8

Requests the Department of Public Safety to develop rehabilitation programs as alternatives to incarceration for eligible convicted individuals.

Cites that annual incarceration costs approximately $36,500 per inmate, more than twice the cost of annual student education at $15,000.

Notes Hawaii's corrections budget grew from $128 million in 2000 to $225 million in 2009, with minimal rehabilitation or successful reintegration outcomes.

Proposes rehabilitation programs teaching business, agricultural, mechanical, carpentry, and other job skills to improve community reentry success.

Requires the Department of Public Safety to submit findings and recommendations with any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2013 Regular Session.