Urging The University Of Hawaii To Establish A Restorative Justice Research Institute, Or Hookaulike, At The William S. Richardson School Of Law.
If established, the Hookaulike will advise the state in creating a more equitable and inclusive criminal justice system. It will provide a platform for collaboration among various educational and community organizations, enabling the development of advocacy programs designed to assist vulnerable populations. This initiative aims to ensure fair representation in the justice system for those most affected by its inequities. The institute is also expected to conduct research that contributes to evidence-based improvements in state and federal criminal justice laws and policies.
House Resolution 77 urges the University of Hawaii to establish a restorative justice research institute, known as Hookaulike, at the William S. Richardson School of Law. The resolution highlights the significant disparities in the criminal justice system, particularly affecting Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and other persons of color. These communities are disproportionately represented within Hawaii's prisons, a reflection of systemic issues such as intergenerational poverty, trauma, and inadequate support services. The proposed institute aims to address these challenges through a multi-disciplinary approach focused on restoration and healing.
The proposal for the Hookaulike reflects an ongoing conversation about the need for reform within the criminal justice system. While supporters argue that this initiative is essential for addressing systemic inequalities and supporting marginalized communities, there may be potential opposition related to funding and resource allocation within the University system. The effectiveness of the institute will depend on its ability to engage community stakeholders and address various criminal justice issues pertinent to both the communities in question and the broader state framework.