HI HB1342

Expands Hawaii's comprehensive offender reentry system under the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to include new "earn and learn" programs allowing eligible inmates to participate in supervised apprenticeships for licensure while earning income

Adds six new model program components including high school equivalency support with mentoring, college education encouragement, career training focused on relevant job prospects, partnerships with nonprofits and businesses for job placement, and mandatory mentoring/counseling for felony offenders tied to parole recommendations

Addresses Hawaii's 870% increase in prison population between 1980-2018 and 54% recidivism rate, with Native Hawaiians disproportionately representing 40% of inmates despite being only 20% of the state population

References studies showing mentored inmates are twice as likely to find employment after release and 35% less likely to recidivate within one year

Appropriates unspecified funds for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to expand educational and vocational training opportunities, with an effective date of July 1, 2025