Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 2976 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate moneys for the Department of Public Safety to transport and house inmates at the federal detention center or mainland facilities.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Department of Public Safety and Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, City and County of Honolulu. Testimony in opposition of this measure was submitted by Community Alliance on Prisons and Drug Policy Action Group.

Your Committee believes that the overcrowding of prisons is a big problem in Hawaii's criminal justice system. The lack of prison space has impacted justice in our communities, through emergency release laws and a call to reduce sentences for various offenses. Thus, prompt action is necessary, and finding additional bed space is imperative. This bill will resolve the issue, at least temporarily, by appropriating funds for the transfer of prisoners to other facilities.

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. 2976 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.