Hawaii Senate Bill SCR26

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/25
• Refer: 3/6/25
• Report Pass: 3/19/25
• Refer: 3/19/25
• Report Pass: 4/2/25
• Engrossed: 4/3/25
• Refer: 4/4/25

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Corrections And Rehabilitation, In Planning And Designing The New Oahu Community Correctional Center In Halawa, To Include Circuit And District Court Facilities And Establish A Release Procedure Under Which Detainees Or Inmates, Upon Release, Are Transported To A Site Other Than Residential Communities Or Public Spaces.

Impact

The move to include judicial facilities on-site is designed to reduce the frequency of transporting inmates to and from courts located in Honolulu. This measure is expected to alleviate the financial burden associated with operations such as vehicle usage and personnel costs while also reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions related to transportation. Furthermore, the intent to transport inmates to non-residential areas upon release aims to enhance community safety and mitigate fears regarding the reintegration of inmates into local neighborhoods directly.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 26 (SCR26) seeks to influence the planning and design of the new Oahu Community Correctional Center in Halawa, Hawaii. The resolution makes specific requests to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to incorporate circuit and district court facilities within the new center while establishing a protocol for the release of detainees. This proposal aims to address concerns regarding the operational costs and transportation logistics of moving inmates between various facilities, as well as the potential impacts on public safety in surrounding communities.

Contention

Potential points of contention regarding SCR26 revolve around the impact of the correctional facility's location on nearby communities and public perception of safety. Some residents may remain skeptical about the implications of housing both correctional and judicial facilities in close proximity, fearing that such a setup could contribute to an increased crime rate or discomfort in their daily lives. Additionally, the resolution's effectiveness in truly addressing these concerns will depend on its implementation and how well the established procedures ensure the safety and well-being of the community as a whole.