HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2848

TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2012

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the most recent information on the use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco reveals a disturbing rise in the use of these substances among the native Hawaiian population.  Many studies conducted both nationally and statewide show native Hawaiians to be at particularly high risk for substance abuse.  Among students in the eighth and tenth grades, native Hawaiian children rank highest among all ethnic groups in the use of these substances.  The studies also show that substance abuse starts at an early age, and if not addressed:

     (1)  Leads to more serious offenses, which erode family structures spiritually, psychologically, socially, and economically;

     (2)  Creates many health hazards and problems for and with the individual; and 

     (3)  Leads to other serious problems, such as poverty, homelessness, and a growing dependence on both legal and illegal drugs that in turn may lead to child abuse, family abuse, sexual abuse, and other serious life-threatening crimes.

     The legislature finds that a pu‘uhonua, or wellness center, based on Hawaiian cultural practice will help the native Hawaiian community and the community at-large.  Unquestionably, many high risk individuals need to be cared for in a much more sensitive intervention program that will address solutions to alleviate their problems.  The greatest potential to stem the tide of this horrific situation lies in the creation of a pu‘uhonua that comprises a culturally-based substance abuse treatment and intervention program that takes a holistic approach, based on cultural identity and strength to get to the core, the why, of substance abuse.  The cultural practices of pule, ho‘oponopono, aloha ‘aina, mahi‘ai, la‘au lapa‘au, and aloha will help create a sensitive setting.  These cultural practices have been successful in the past, possessing the optimal potential to heal an individual.  A culturally-based pu‘uhonua will restore and maintain a better atmosphere and relationship among family, friends, community, and society.

     The legislature further finds that the site formerly used as the Kulani correctional facility in east Hawaii would be an ideal site for such a wellness center.  It is a place of deep spirituality for the Hawaiian people and, pragmatically, it has the infrastructure and historical precedent for use in sustainable living.  However, there may be other locations that can serve as options in determining a viable and ideal site for such a wellness center.

     The purpose of this Act is to reduce recidivism, prevent crime, and ensure long-term positive change by developing a plan to create a wellness center that reestablishes highly-recognized native Hawaiian cultural practices to restore the overall well-being of individuals, families, and the native Hawaiian community.

     SECTION 2.  The department of public safety, working with ‘Ohana Ho‘opakele and other restorative justice groups, is directed to prepare a plan for the creation of a pu‘uhonua, or wellness center, on lands owned or controlled by the State, giving preference to the site formerly used as the Kulani correctional facility on the island of Hawaii; provided that the department of public safety may also consider site options on all islands in determining a viable and ideal location for the wellness center; provided further that the department of public safety shall seek the input of the department of human services, department of health, department of Hawaiian home lands, and office of Hawaiian affairs in its planning and in determining a site for the wellness center.

     The department of public safety shall submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2013 on its findings and recommendations, including any budget requests necessary to achieve the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.



 

Report Title:

Public Lands; Kulani Correctional Facility

 

Description:

Requires the Department of Public Safety to develop a plan to create a wellness center that re-establishes highly recognized native Hawaiian cultural practices to restore the overall well-being of individuals, families, and the native Hawaiian community.  Requires the Department of Public Safety to work with various groups and state agencies in its planning and in determining a site for the wellness center.  Allows the Department of Public Safety to consider other site options on all islands in determining a viable and ideal location for the wellness center.  Requires the Department of Public Safety to submit a report to the Legislature prior to the Regular Session of 2013.  (HB2848 HD1)

 

 

 

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