STTVND. COM. REP. NO.
Honolulu, Hawaii
APR 1 5 2025
RE: H.C.R. No. 153
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs, to
which was referred H.C.R. No. 153 entitled:
"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF
CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION TO INCREMENTALLY AND
SYSTEMATICALLY REDUCE THE NUMBER OF INMATES INCARCERATED IN
PRIVATE, OUT-OF-STATE CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to request the
Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to incrementally and
systematically reduce the number of inmates incarcerated in
private, out-of-state correctional facilities.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure
from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Hawaii
Correctional System Oversight Commission, ACLU Hawai'i, Kauai
Women's Caucus, Reimagining Public Safety, Na ‘Opio Waiwai, Tkbolish
Private Prisons, Faith Action for Community Equity, and forty-four
individuals.
Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this
measure from one individual.
Your Committee finds that one of the most critical components
of successful rehabilitation and reintegration into society for
incarcerated persons is maintaining strong ties with family and
community. Research consistently shows that individuals who
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sustain familial relationships during incarceration experience
lower recidivism rates and better post-release outcomes. When
Hawaii inmates are housed on the continent, the financial and
logistical burdens on families, including the cost of travel, time
off work, and lodging, often render in-person visitation
impossible. This forced separation exacerbates emotional
distress, weakens family bonds, and deprives individuals of a key
stabilizing force necessary for their successful reintegration.
Accordingly, this measure requests the Department of Corrections
and Rehabilitation to systematically phase out the housing of
incarcerated individuals in private, out-of-state prisons to
reduce recidivism and reconnect families.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your
Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs that is attached
to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose
of H.C.R. No. 153, and recommends its adoption.
Respectfully submitted on
behalf of the members of the
Committee on Public Safety and
Military Affairs,
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 The Senate
Thirty-Third Legislature
State of Hawaii
Record of Votes
Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs
PSM
Bill / Resolution No.:* Committee Referral: Date:
py" H'
The Committee is reconsidering its previous decision on this measure.
If so, then the previous decision was to:___________________________________
The Rejj(6mmendation is:
Pass, unamended __ Pass, with amendments __ Hold __ Recommit
2312_____________ 2311_______________ 2310________ 2313
Members Aye^ Aye (WR) Nay Excused
ELEFANTE, Brandon J.C. (C)
WAKAI. Glenn (VC)
FUKUNAGA, Carol
RHOADS, Karl
DECORTE, Samantha /
Z z
4/
TOTAL yr
Recommendation: __ / / C /
V Adopted *” __ NotAdopte^
Chair’s or Designee’s Signature*=x_^/n^^-~-^_
Distribution: Original | / wllow / Pink Goldenrod
File with Committee Report ( Cl^'s OjHce Drafting Agency Committee File Copy
*Only one meastire per Record of Votes
Revised: 12/09/24