HI HB67

Appropriates unspecified general revenue funds for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 to establish full-time equivalent (FTE) positions for the University of Hawaii Windward Community College's Pu`uhonua Program, which provides college courses for incarcerated individuals.

Creates three new FTE positions: one counselor at the Women's Community Correctional Center, one counselor at Hālawa Correctional Facility, and one incarcerated education coordinator for Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility responsible for student counseling and instructional support.

Windward Community College is the only University of Hawaii institution serving incarcerated populations with degree and certificate programs, including associate degrees in liberal arts and Hawaiian studies and certificates in business and psycho-social developmental studies.

Program participants have an average GPA of 3.6, with 85 percent earning A, B, or C grades; 43 percent are Native Hawaiian and 9 percent are Pacific Islander; students show significantly lower recidivism rates after release.

Appropriated funds address expiring grant funding (set to end in June and September 2023) and ensure continued program coordination and support at three correctional facilities.