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.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 4 co-sponsors

SCR 26 plans a new Oahu Community Correctional Center with integrated court facilities and ensures released inmates are transported away from residential areas to protect communities.

Referred to PBS/JHA, referral sheet 28

#courts #departmentofaccountingandgeneralservices #departmentofcorrectionsandrehabilitation #governor #judiciary #newoahucommunitycorrectionalcenter #planninganddesigns #releaseprocedures

Bill Overview

Bill Number: SCR 26
Title: 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.
Introduced: March 04, 2025
Status: Referred to PBS/JHA, referral sheet 28
Classification: Concurrent Resolution
Subject Areas: Courts, Department of Accounting and General Services, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Governor, Judiciary, New Oahu Community Correctional Center, Planning and Designs, Release Procedures

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of SCR 26 is to enhance the planning and design of the new Oahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC) in Halawa by integrating circuit and district court facilities into the center. Additionally, the bill seeks to establish a new release procedure for detainees and inmates, ensuring that upon their release, they are transported to locations that do not include residential communities or public spaces. This aims to mitigate potential disruptions and safety concerns in local neighborhoods.

Key Provisions

Integration of Court Facilities: The bill requests that the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation incorporate circuit and district court facilities within the new OCCC design.

Release Procedure: It mandates the establishment of a release procedure that ensures released detainees or inmates are transported to designated sites that are not residential areas or public spaces, thereby aiming to reduce the impact of their release on local communities.

Affected Parties

Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation: Responsible for implementing the new design and release procedures.

Judiciary System: The integration of court facilities will directly involve the judiciary in the operational aspects of the correctional center.

Local Communities: Residents in the vicinity of the correctional center will be affected by the changes in release procedures, which aim to minimize their exposure to released individuals.

Legislative Timeline

March 04, 2025: SCR 26 was offered.

March 06, 2025: Referred to the committees on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs (PSM) and Judiciary (JDC).

March 10, 2025: Public hearing held by the PSM committee.

March 19, 2025: Report adopted and referred to JDC.

April 02, 2025: JDC committee reported the bill with a recommendation for adoption, and it was transmitted to the House.

April 04, 2025: Referred to PBS/JHA.

Conclusion

SCR 26 represents a significant step towards modernizing the Oahu Community Correctional Center by integrating judicial functions and establishing a more community-conscious release process for inmates. The bill's progress through the legislative process indicates a commitment to addressing both correctional and community needs in Hawaii.

Bill