STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3228

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.R. No. 65

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.R. No. 65 entitled:

"SENATE 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 testimony in support of this measure from the Kauai Police Department, The CHOW Project, Blueprint for Change, and five individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Public Safety.

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

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 65 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Hawaiian Affairs,

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MAILE S.L. SHIMABUKURO, Chair