STAND. COM. REP. NO. 917

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 182

       H.D. 1

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2013

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred H.B. No. 182, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO JUVENILES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Permit a court to dispose of a juvenile case by referring a child offender to a restorative justice program when the court deems it would be in the best interest of the child and the child admits guilt; and

     (2)  Clarify and provide examples of restorative justice programs.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hawaii Youth Services Network, American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii, Community Alliance on Prisons, and three individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney of the City and County of Honolulu.

     Your Committee finds that separating juvenile offenders from their families and communities has a direct effect on rehabilitation and recidivism.  By promoting greater discourse among communities, offenders, victims, and their support groups, this measure aids juvenile offenders in the difficult task of reintegration into a community and offers a venue for victims to express themselves and achieve closure.  By engaging parents, guardians, and supporters in this restorative justice process, this program encourages collaboration and understanding among all affected parties in a safe, healthy environment.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 182, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Judiciary and Labor.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Human Services,

____________________________

SUZANNE CHUN OAKLAND, Chair