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. 1570 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds for community-based reintegration programs for female offenders transitioning from prison to the community.

Testimony in support of the measure was submitted by the Department of Public Safety, the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Women Lawyers, the Community Alliance on Prisons, Ka Hale Ho`ala Hou No Na Wahine, and forty-seven individuals. Submitting comments on the measure was the Hawaii Paroling Authority.

Your Committee finds that there is a lack of adequate community-based programs for female offenders making the transition back into the community at the end of their prison terms. Community-based programs that are responsive to the emotional, psychological, educational, and employment needs of female offenders are critical to breaking the cycle of recidivism and ensuring the long-term success of these women in becoming productive and 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. 1570 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.