HI HR43

Urges the Department of Health, in conjunction with the Department of Public Safety, to conduct a feasibility study on relocating the Hawaii State Hospital's planned forensic unit to the proposed correctional facility on Oahu.

Directs the study to address whether the new forensic unit should be placed under jurisdiction of the Department of Health or the Department of Public Safety, Corrections Division.

Requires examination of staffing arrangements combining Hawaii State Hospital members for health and mental care with Department of Public Safety, Corrections Division members for security and safety.

Mandates submission of findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the convening of the Regular Session of 2017.

Cites current safety concerns including patient escapes and staff harassment at the existing facility located in a densely populated area adjacent to Windward Community College as rationale for the study.