MILESTONE IN PUBLIC SAFETY: REFORMS FOR PAROLE AND PROBATION:

A DIVERSE LIST OF LEGISLATION MOVES HAWAII FORWARD IN PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUES

By Senator Will Espero, Chair of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, Government Operations, and Military Affairs

The 2012 legislative session has been a milestone year for public safety, and in particular, corrections and judiciary system reform.  From prevention measures to more victim resources, transitional issues to parole and probation, many areas touching our corrections and judicial system were addressed.

At the front end, SB2261 provided $336,000 for the successful Weed and Seed Program active in several Oahu communities.  These prevention funds will help operations which battle drug use and promote healthy drug-free programs and projects.

At the tail end, HB2226 provided $250,000 to codify the statewide automated victim information and notification system.  This program was initially started with federal funds, and will now be incorporated into our state government providing a valuable tool and resource for victims of crime to utilize.

SB2536 establishes a Clean and Sober Home and Halfway House Task Force to address issues and matters pertaining to these housing facilities and their impact on neighborhoods and residents.  Many released inmates end up in these halfway homes, and the homes are needed to help inmates as they transition from prison to a free society.

The reentry intake service centers were given new direction and work through SB2866.  Re-entry has taken a more visible role in the Abercrombie administration, and HB2599 will assist the department in creating a successful re-entry  component in our prison system.

The cornerstones of this session relating to corrections and judicial reform can be found in HB2515 and SB2776. HB2515 primarily changes our probation system by lowering probation terms from 5 to 4 years in certain situations and allowing certain 2^nd time drug offenders to be released on probation.

The major changes for this session can be found in SB2776 which had support from Governor Abercrombie, the Hawaii Judiciary, Legislative leadership, and many legislators and stakeholders as well.  Improvements in the pre-trial detainee processing, two additional Paroling Authority Members, use of validated risk assessments, increases in victim restitution payments, and added staff positions in PSD will begin needed changes in our corrections system.

HB2599 reconstitutes the Re-entry Commission and will allow non-government stakeholders an opportunity to work with re-entry staff and monitor re-entry services.

Finally, SB2158 allows cash to be received on weekends to allow people to get out sooner versus later if they do not have access to cash.

One can see the wide spectrum of legislation which will impact and improve our corrections and judicial system. With changes and reform, the issue of returning the approximately 1700 inmates incarcerated on the mainland can truly begin. Eventually, the $45 million being spent on the mainland will be spent in Hawaii employing our residents, circulating in our local economy, and helping our inmates with their re-entry and rehabilitation efforts.

Moreover, the safety of our island residents is paramount, and these measures do not jeopardize public safety or endanger neighborhoods and communities.  Improvements and efficiencies in our corrections and judicial system will benefit our state and benefit all the people of Hawaii.