STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1590

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.C.R. No. 26

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 26 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION, IN PLANNING AND DESIGNING THE NEW OAHU COMMUNITY CORRECTIONAL CENTER IN HALAWA, TO INCLUDE CIRCUIT AND DISTRICT COURT FACILITIES AND ESTABLISH A RELEASE PROCEDURE UNDER WHICH DETAINEES OR INMATES, UPON RELEASE, ARE TRANSPORTED TO A SITE OTHER THAN RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES OR PUBLIC SPACES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to request the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, in planning and designing the new Oahu Community Correctional Center in Halawa, to include circuit and district court facilities and establish a release procedure under which detainees or inmates, upon release, are transported to a site other than residential communities or public spaces.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Judiciary, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Office of the Public Defender, Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, and one individual.

Your Committee finds that implementing an on-site courtroom presents a transformative opportunity to enhance security, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in the judicial and correctional systems. The financial burden of defendant transportation is substantial, encompassing fuel expenses, vehicle maintenance, and the manpower required for safe transit. Your Committee believes that the establishment of an on-site courtroom will alleviate these costs by removing the need for frequent and resource-intensive travel. This measure will improve overall operational efficiency, reduce overtime, and allow for a more strategic allocation of taxpayer dollars.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 26 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

________________________________

KARL RHOADS, Chair