HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2848

TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2012

H.D. 2

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 goal of the wellness center is to reduce recidivism, prevent crime, and ensure long-term positive change by reestablishing highly-recognized native Hawaiian cultural practices that restore the overall well-being of individuals, families, and the native Hawaiian community.

     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 create the wellness center task force to move forward the concept of pu‘uhonua, or wellness center, and to establish a location for the wellness center on lands owned or controlled by the State with preference given to the site formerly used as the Kulani correctional facility in east Hawaii. 

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There shall be established within the legislative reference bureau for administrative purposes a wellness center task force.  The task force shall develop a plan and make recommendations to move forward the concept of pu‘uhonua, or wellness center, and to establish a location for

the wellness center on lands owned or controlled by the State with preference given to the site formerly used as the Kulani correctional facility in east Hawaii.

     (b)  The legislative reference bureau shall provide administrative support to the wellness center task force. 

     (c)  The co-chairs of the wellness center task force shall be the chairs of the senate committee on Hawaiian affairs and public safety, government operations, and military affairs, and the chairs of the house committee on Hawaiian affairs and public safety and military affairs.  The task force may include representatives from the following departments, agencies, and organizations:

     (1)  Office of hawaiian affairs;

     (2)  Department of Hawaiian home lands;

     (3)  Department of public safety;

     (4)  Department of land and natural resources;

     (5)  Department of health;

     (6)  Department of human services;

     (7)  Four representatives from ‘Ohana Ho‘opakele and other restorative justice groups; and

     (8)  Four representatives from wellness center advocate groups.

    (d)   The wellness center task force shall submit a preliminary plan and recommendation report including any necessary proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than January 10, 2013.

    (e)   The wellness center task force shall cease to exist on June 30, 2013.

     The members of the task force shall serve without compensation, and all necessary expenses, including travel expenses, shall be paid by the agency, organization, or department to which the member belongs.  No member shall be made subject to chapter 84, Hawaii Revised Statutes, solely because of that member's participation as a member of the task force.

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



 

Report Title:

Public Lands; Kulani Correctional Facility; Wellness Center; Task Force

 

Description:

Establishes a Wellness Center Task Force within the Legislative Reference Bureau to move forward with the concept of pu‘uhonua, or wellness center, and to establish a location for the wellness center on lands owned or controlled by the State with preference given to the site formerly used as the Kulani Correctional Facility in east Hawaii.  (HB2848 HD2)

 

 

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