STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3380

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.C.R. No. 97

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 97 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE STATE TO ESTABLISH THE PUUHONUA PROGRAM IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY FOR THE CONTINUED REHABILITATION OF POST-INCARCERATED PERSONS, PAROLEES, AND PROBATIONERS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to urge the State to establish the Puuhonua Program in the Department of Public Safety for the continued rehabilitation of post-incarcerated persons, parolees, and probationers.  

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Aha Moku Advisory Committee of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, ‘Ohana Ho‘opakele, and five individuals.

     Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Public Safety.

     Your Committee finds that the Puuhonua Program proposed by this measure would emulate the puuhonua of ancient Hawaii, which were sites designated as safe and inviolable, where women and children, old or ailing men in times of war, vanquished warriors, and fleeing criminals could take temporary refuge.  Men and women who have been incarcerated and released may benefit from the Puuhonua Program, which would apply the puuhonua concept to support post-incarcerated persons, parolees, and probationers in their transition to society in the modern world.

     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 concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 97 and recommends its adoption.

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

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JILL N. TOKUDA, Chair