STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3242

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 2848

       H.D. 3

       S.D. 2

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2012

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 2848, H.D. 3, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to reduce recidivism for criminal offenders by employing native Hawaiian cultural practices and other innovations to effectuate this objective.

     Specifically, the measure:

     (1)  Requires the Department of Public Safety to prepare a plan to create a pu'uhonua, or wellness center, that incorporates native Hawaiian cultural practices; and

     (2)  Creates a pilot program to allow certain incarcerated individuals on Hawaii Island to work in the community on projects that benefit the local community and the State.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Community Alliance on Prisons, Ohana Ho'opakele, Malua Aina, and two individuals.  Written comments on this measure were received from the Department of Public Safety.

     Your Committee finds that this measure offers additional solutions for rehabilitating criminal offenders and reintegrating them back into society in a manner that rebuilds families and the community.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, to facilitate further discussion on this measure; and

     (2)  Making technical nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2848, H.D. 3, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2848, H.D. 3, S.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

____________________________

DAVID Y. IGE, Chair