STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1133

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2007

 

RE:   H.B. No. 1

      H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 1, H.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO A COMPREHENSIVE OFFENDER REENTRY SYSTEM,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this bill is to improve the process for adult offenders to reenter into the community by establishing a comprehensive offender reentry system, which:

 

(1)  Assists adult offenders with their reintegration back into the community;

 

(2)  Facilitates restorative justice practices and the convening of impact panels and educational classes; and

 

(3)  Offers a full continuum of services that are accessible during and immediately after their incarceration.

 

     The American Civil Liberties Union, Community Alliance on Prisons, TJ Mahoney & Associates, Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition, Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc., Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and several concerned individuals supported this bill.  The Department of Public Safety, Hawaii Paroling Authority, Department of Education, and Department of Labor and Industrial Relations supported the intent of this measure.  The Department of Taxation (DOTAX) and Department of Human Services (DHS) opposed this bill.  The Department of the Attorney General submitted comments.

 

     Your Committee finds that there is a great need for a comprehensive reintegration plan for inmates.  However, your Committee also recognizes the concerns that were raised by testifiers on this measure.  As currently drafted, this measure may allow parolees to remain in contact with mentors who remain incarcerated and find that this may distract persons who are taking steps to reintegrate back into the community.

 

     Your Committee also notes concerns raised that DHS may be required to extend child protective services to all children of incarcerated parents and all parents who are incarcerated, regardless of whether they are under the jurisdiction of DHS and the Family Court.  While these issues may not be the intent of this measure, your Committee believes that the concerns warrant further discussion as this measure moves through the legislative process.

 

     Your Committee also notes the concerns that DOTAX may not be qualified to establish policy regarding granting incentives to employers who hire formerly incarcerated persons, and that the task should be left to the proper department in consultation with DOTAX.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

MARCUS R. OSHIRO, Chair