Urging The Judiciary To Implement The Hope Probation Program As It Was Conceived And Implemented From 2004 To 2020.
The resolution notes significant positive outcomes associated with the HOPE program in its earlier years, including a decreased likelihood of re-arrest and drug use among probationers compared to those under conventional probation. These achievements reflect a more effective supervisory model created by a dedicated judge and appropriate resources allocated to handle the probation cases, allowing for timely decision-making and follow-up actions for higher-risk offenders. By suggesting a return to these practices, SR114 aims to enhance the overall effectiveness of probation and reduce the burden on the criminal justice system.
Senate Resolution 114 (SR114) urges the judiciary in Hawaii to reinstate the HOPE (Hawaii Opportunity Probation with Enforcement) program as it was originally conceived from 2004 to 2020. The resolution highlights the successful implementation of HOPE, which was designed to reduce recidivism among high-risk probationers, such as those involved in sex offenses, domestic violence, and drug use, through swift and consistent consequences for probation violations. The original approach emphasized immediate responses to violations, which helped foster a supportive environment that encouraged behavioral changes among participants.
SR114 argues for a recommitment to the evidence-based practices established in the original HOPE program, emphasizing the need for a streamlined approach in managing probation cases. The proposed changes seek to reflect a judicial system that is both supportive and effective in its management of probationers, thereby improving public safety and rehabilitation outcomes while also reducing costs associated with recidivism and incarceration.
Despite the historical success of the HOPE program, concerns have arisen regarding its recent implementation, which resulted in inconsistencies due to the mixing of new cases with existing caseloads across multiple judges. This led to delays in addressing violations and an increase in re-sentencing for multi-year prison terms among HOPE participants. The resolution recognizes that the shift away from the original guidelines resulted in probationers accumulating multiple violations without immediate consequences, ultimately leading to a return to prison for many.