HB1734 HD1

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that native Hawaiians compose a disproportionate number of persons incarcerated in Hawaii's jails and prisons. Approximately forty-five per cent of the inmate population identify themselves as part- or native Hawaiian. However, anecdotal evidence indicates a higher percentage of incarcerated native Hawaiians. Compared to other ethnic groups in Hawaii, native Hawaiians report dismal socioeconomic and physical health indicators, which are often magnified in a correctional setting. Moreover, the frustration of native Hawaiians who are incarcerated in local and out-of-state correctional facilities can be exacerbated by a lack of cultural sensitivity during communication or problem-solving processes or during participation in programs that do not incorporate culturally appropriate or culturally relevant practices. Accordingly, the legislature finds that there is a need to pay closer attention to the needs of native Hawaiians who are incarcerated in the State's correctional system and affirm the State's commitment to promoting the health and well-being of native Hawaiians.

The purpose of this Act is to establish and fund one full-time equivalent native Hawaiian affairs manager position within the department of public safety to engage understanding of; promote sensitivity to; and incorporate culturally appropriate processes, programs, and services for incarcerated native Hawaiians.

SECTION 2. Chapter 353, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§353- Native Hawaiian affairs manager; establishment and duties. (a) There is established one full-time equivalent native Hawaiian affairs manager position within the office of the director to engage understanding of; promote sensitivity to; and incorporate culturally appropriate processes, programs, and services for incarcerated native Hawaiians.

(b) The native Hawaiian affairs manager shall:

(1) Advise the director on matters adversely affecting the well-being of incarcerated native Hawaiians and propose options and solutions to mitigate negative outcomes;

(2) Collaborate with the department of health; the office of Hawaiian affairs; and other public, private, and not-for-profit organizations to assure the well-being of incarcerated native Hawaiians by coordinating information, consultation, services, and opportunities for resolving issues that adversely affect native Hawaiian offenders; and

(3) Pursue opportunities for training, research, and information exchange about the cultural practices of native populations in correctional settings, and consider ways to incorporate native Hawaiian cultural practices through a continuum of culturally appropriate and culturally relevant correctional and reentry programs."

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $150,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2007-2008 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009 for one full-time equivalent native Hawaiian affairs manager position within the department of public safety for the costs of salary, fringe benefits, equipment, supplies, and other items needed to carry out the purposes of this Act.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of public safety for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2015.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1734
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII