STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1236

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2021

RE: H.C.R. No. 40

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Corrections, Military, & Veterans, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 40 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO ALLOW FAITH PODS BASED ON KAPU ALOHA TO BE ESTABLISHED WITHIN EACH CORRECTIONAL CENTER,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Public Safety to allow faith pods based on kapu aloha to be established within each correctional center.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Public Safety, Malu ‘Aina, Ohana Ho‘opakele, and six individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that incarcerated individuals have initiated Hawaiian cultural programs within different correctional systems known as faith pods throughout the nation to help promote safe spaces to heal and regain their identity as Hawaiians. Your Committee further finds that Act 117, Session Laws of Hawaii 2012, sought to "[r]educe recidivism, prevent crime, and ensure long-term positive change by developing a plan to create a wellness center that reestablishes highly recognized native Hawaiian cultural practices to restore the overall well‑being of persons, families, and the native Hawaiian community". This measure supports that goal.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Corrections, Military, & Veterans that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 40 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Corrections, Military, & Veterans,

____________________________

TAKASHI OHNO, Chair