STAND. COM. REP. NO. 695

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 694

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.B. No. 694 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE DETENTION OF MINORS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to prohibit minors from being held in jails, lockups, or prisons for adults.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, Human Rights for Kids, Opportunity for Youth Action Hawaiʻi, and two individuals.

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

Your Committee finds that when a minor is transferred to an adult jail or correctional facility, it has a profoundly negative effect on both the minor and the larger community. For example, research indicates that minors are fundamentally different from adults and are more likely to experience abuse, commit suicide, be exposed to prolonged periods of isolation, and become repeat offenders if they enter an adult facility. Additionally, according to the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003, youth are five times more likely to be victimized in an adult facility than in a juvenile facility. Your Committee also finds that adult correctional facilities do not provide the developmentally appropriate rehabilitative services youth require because adult facilities are not specifically designed or staffed for the rehabilitation of youth. This measure will protect minors who are in a critical stage of development from the harsh environment of adult facilities and the long-lasting mental health consequences of being exposed to violence, abuse, and isolation that may often occur from being held with adult offenders.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 694 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.

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

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KARL RHOADS, Chair