HI HB1479

Prohibits transfer of Hawaii inmates to any correctional facility outside the State or operated by private entities beginning July 1, 2015; inmates may only be transferred to facilities owned and operated by the State or its political subdivisions.

Removes mandatory minimum sentencing requirements for methamphetamine trafficking in the first and second degrees, allowing judges discretion while maintaining maximum sentences of 20 years for first degree and 10 years for second degree trafficking.

Addresses disproportionate incarceration of Native Hawaiians by responding to findings from the Native Hawaiian Justice Task Force, which documented that Native Hawaiians receive longer sentences and comprise 41% of Hawaii inmates in out-of-state facilities.

Establishes that management and operation of correctional facilities involves inherently governmental functions that should not be privatized or managed by out-of-state for-profit facilities.