HI SCR107

Request that the Department of Public Safety identify and correct issues preventing compliance with Hawaii Revised Statutes section 353H-32, which requires providing civil identification cards and assistance obtaining birth certificates, social security cards, and other identification documents to individuals exiting correctional facilities.

Acknowledge that between November 2018 and October 2019, 56% of people exiting jails and 46% of people exiting prisons statewide left without identification cards, despite the statutory requirement.

Request the Department actively investigate existing barriers to successful community reentry of formerly incarcerated individuals and work with community stakeholders to develop policy changes that dismantle identified barriers.

Assert that without civil identification documents, individuals cannot legally obtain housing and employment, which are essential for successful reentry and reducing recidivism.

Express commitment to ensuring no reductions to existing reentry services or funding and to identifying opportunities to reinvest in reentry support rather than retributive corrections approaches.