STAND. COM. REP. NO. 282

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2005

RE: S.B. No. 1203

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 1203 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR INMATE REINTEGRATION PROGRAMS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds for the development and maintenance of former inmate reintegration programs by non-profit organizations in the community.

Testimony in support of the measure was submitted by the ACLU of Hawaii, the Community Alliance on Prisons, and five individuals. Offering comments on the measure was the Department of Public Safety and the Hawaii Paroling Authority.

Your Committee finds that there is a lack of adequate inmate reintegration programs in place when former inmates are released into the community. These community-based programs form a critical support network that provides access to an array of vital social services to former inmates, including job training, life development, and communication skills. Attaining and utilizing these skills are extremely important for these former inmates in not only avoiding the danger of recidivism, but in also providing them with the necessary "tools" to make a seamless transition in becoming contributing members of society.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1203 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

COLLEEN HANABUSA, Chair