Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR79

Introduced

3/11/22

Refer

3/16/22

Caption

Urging The Judiciary To Partner With Supporting Agencies And Request Grant Funds Under The Victims Of Crime Act To Establish And Support A Restorative Justice Program In Each County To Allow Victims And Offenders An Opportunity To Participate In Restorative Justice.

Impact

The implementation of restorative justice programs would represent a significant shift in how the criminal justice system addresses crime and its aftermath in Hawaii. By encouraging the participation of victims and offenders in a structured, supportive environment, SR79 aims to foster understanding and accountability. It not only provides an alternative pathway to resolution but also aims to alleviate pressures on the court system by potentially decreasing the backlog of cases.

Summary

Senate Resolution 79 urges the judiciary of Hawaii to collaborate with supporting agencies to seek grant funds under the Victims of Crime Act. The goal is to establish restorative justice programs in each county. These programs aim to facilitate participation among victims and offenders, allowing for an opportunity to engage in restorative practices that focus on healing and reconciliation rather than punitive measures. It highlights the potential benefits of restorative justice, including crime reduction, decreased recidivism, and increased victim satisfaction compared to traditional justice systems.

Contention

While the resolution presents a progressive approach to criminal justice, it may face challenges regarding the willingness of all parties to embrace restorative processes. Critics might argue about the practicality of implementing such programs uniformly across different counties, and concerns may arise regarding the safety and emotional readiness of victims to engage face-to-face with offenders. Moreover, the requirement for offenders to admit to their crimes and for both parties to voluntarily participate may limit the effectiveness of the program for certain cases.

Companion Bills

HI SCR89

Same As Urging The Judiciary To Partner With Supporting Agencies And Request Grant Funds Under The Victims Of Crime Act To Establish And Support A Restorative Justice Program In Each County To Allow Victims And Offenders An Opportunity To Participate In Restorative Justice.

HI HR143

Previously Filed As

HI SB903

Relating To Restorative Justice.

HI HB585

Relating To Restorative Justice.

HI SR52

Urging The State And Counties To Prioritize And Direct All Available Resources To Supporting Coordinated Interagency Collaboration And Public-private Partnerships Aimed At Addressing The Ongoing Fentanyl Epidemic.

HI SCR64

HI SR2

Urging This Body To Endorse The Participation Of Taiwan As An Observer In The United Nations Framework Convention On Climate Change, International Civil Aviation Organization, World Health Organization, And International Criminal Police Organization; Supporting The Further Progress On The United States-taiwan Initiative On 21st-century Trade, A Speedy Conclusion To This Negotiation, And Encouraging The United States Trade Representative To Commence Negotiations To Enter Into A Bilateral Trade Agreement With Taiwan; And Supporting The State Of Hawaii's Thirty-first Anniversary Of Sister-state Relations With Taiwan And Commemorating The Forty-fifth Anniversary Of The Taiwan Relations Act.

HI SR122

Urging The Governor's Senior Advisor For Mental Health And The Justice System To Define Their Role And To Provide An Annual Report To The Legislature On The Progress The State Has Made Towards Jail Diversion.

HI SR130

Requesting The City And County Of Honolulu To Collaborate With The State To Expand Community Gardening Opportunities For Residents.

HI HCR96

Supporting A Closer Partnership Between The United States And Taiwan In Values And Common Goals, The Relationships And Exchanges Between The State Of Hawaii And Taiwan, Taiwan's International Participation, And The Signing Of A United States-taiwan Bilateral Trade Agreement.