HI HCR115

Urges full implementation of recommendations from the Native Hawaiian Justice Task Force, Pūʻuhonua Summit, and Council of State Governments Justice Center to reduce Hawaii's incarcerated population by 25 percent by 2023.

Cites that Native Hawaiians make up 24 percent of Hawaii's general population but represent 39-41 percent of the incarcerated and parole populations, indicating significant overrepresentation in the criminal justice system.

Notes Hawaii's incarcerated population increased 1,357 percent from 1977 to 2015 (398 to 5,800 prisoners) and costs an average of $50,000 annually per person, with over 50 percent recidivism rates.

Requests that savings from reduced corrections spending be directed to strengthening Native Hawaiian communities and that the Department of Public Safety consider comprehensive criminal justice reform when building the new Oʻahu Community Correctional Center.

References successful criminal justice reforms in other states (California, New York, New Jersey) that reduced prison populations while decreasing crime rates, and notes the Justice Center estimated Hawaii's full implementation of recommendations could save over $150 million by fiscal year 2018.