Hawaii House Bill HB877

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 1/30/23
• Report Pass: 2/7/23
• Report Pass: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/7/23
• Report Pass: 3/2/23
• Refer: 2/16/23
• Refer: 3/9/23
• Engrossed: 3/2/23

Caption

Relating To The University Of Hawaii.

Impact

The bill appropriates funding for twelve permanent full-time equivalent positions at the institute, aimed at enhancing faculty capacity and community engagement. This includes roles such as a director, faculty researchers, instructional staff, and positions for community outreach. These efforts are expected to foster research, educational programs, and support services tailored to the unique needs of vulnerable populations within the state. By establishing such an educational and advocacy entity, the bill seeks to contribute to a significant reform in how the criminal legal system operates, emphasizing healing over punishment.

Summary

House Bill 877 establishes the 'Hookaulike: A Criminal Legal System Institute for Restoration and Healing' at the University of Hawaii's William S. Richardson School of Law. This initiative seeks to address the disparities faced by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities within the criminal legal system. The focus will be on restorative justice practices that address intergenerational poverty and trauma, as well as inadequate support services and housing, which contribute to high incarceration rates among these groups. The institute is intended to design and advocate for criminal legal systems that are inclusive and fair.

Contention

While the bill targets systemic inequities and underlines the need for restoration within the legal framework, it faces potential contention regarding the allocation of state funds. Critics may question whether adequate resources will be dedicated to other pressing issues within the criminal justice system, or if this initiative might divert attention from broader reforms. Nevertheless, proponents argue that without addressing the inequities and offering support and healing to marginalized communities, the cycle of incarceration will persist. The effectiveness of the proposed institute will depend largely on its ability to deliver tangible outcomes in reducing disparities and improving community relations.