HI HB1769

Requires the Director of Corrections and Rehabilitation to return 25% of Hawaii inmates housed in private, out-of-state correctional facilities to in-state facilities by July 1, 2029.

Mandates an additional 5% reduction annually beginning July 1, 2031, bringing more incarcerated individuals back from mainland private prisons each year.

Addresses disproportionate impact on Native Hawaiians, who are overrepresented in Hawaii's criminal justice system and experience separation from their ʻāina, language, and cultural practices.

Requires the department to submit annual progress reports to the legislature beginning in 2027 on efforts to return inmates to in-state facilities.

Allows out-of-state transfers only for security, institutional management, or in the interest of the inmate, while phasing out reliance on private, for-profit facilities on the mainland.