STAND. COM. REP. NO.  2143

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

 

RE:   S.C.R. No. 20

 

 

 

 

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

 

Madame:

 

     Your Committee on Public Safety, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 20 entitled:

 

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION TO COMPREHENSIVELY REEVALUATE ITS POLICIES REGARDING IN-PERSON CONTACT VISITATION AT CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE STATE TO BEST SUPPORT INCARCERATED PERSONS IN STAYING CONNECTED WITH LOVED ONES WHO CAN HELP THEM ON THEIR JOURNEY OF REHABILITATION,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to comprehensively reevaluate its policies regarding in-person contact visitation at correctional facilities throughout the state to best support incarcerated persons in staying connected with loved ones who can help them on their journey of rehabilitation.

 

     The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation supports the intent of the resolution and provided testimony. The Hawai'i 'Ohana Support Network, Blueprint for Change, and Keiki O Ka' Aina Family Learning Center submitted testimony in strong support. Twelve individuals provided testimony in support.

 

     Your committee finds that maintaining strong familial and community connections is a vital component of rehabilitation and successful reentry for incarcerated persons. Your committee also finds that the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has agreed to the request, per the Department's testimony, to review and reevaluate its policies regarding in-person, contact visitations statewide.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 20 and recommends its adoption.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

DELLA AU BELATTI, Chair