STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1882

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.C.R. No. 153

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 153 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION TO INCREMENTALLY AND SYSTEMATICALLY REDUCE THE NUMBER OF INMATES INCARCERATED IN PRIVATE, OUT-OF-STATE CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to request the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to incrementally and systematically reduce the number of inmates incarcerated in private, out-of-state correctional facilities.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, ACLU Hawaiʻi, Kauai Women's Caucus, Reimagining Public Safety, Nā ʻŌpio Waiwai, Abolish Private Prisons, Faith Action for Community Equity, and forty-four individuals.

Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that one of the most critical components of successful rehabilitation and reintegration into society for incarcerated persons is maintaining strong ties with family and community. Research consistently shows that individuals who sustain familial relationships during incarceration experience lower recidivism rates and better post-release outcomes. When Hawaii inmates are housed on the continent, the financial and logistical burdens on families, including the cost of travel, time off work, and lodging, often render in-person visitation impossible. This forced separation exacerbates emotional distress, weakens family bonds, and deprives individuals of a key stabilizing force necessary for their successful reintegration. Accordingly, this measure requests the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to systematically phase out the housing of incarcerated individuals in private, out-of-state prisons to reduce recidivism and reconnect families.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 153, and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs,

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BRANDON J.C. ELEFANTE, Chair