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SR 18

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION TO COLLABORATE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO USE INMATE WORK FURLOUGH PROGRAMS FOR STATE ROADWAY AND HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Henry Aquino and 8 co-sponsors

Hawaii Senate requests corrections and transportation departments collaborate on using inmate work furlough programs for state highway and roadway maintenance operations.

Report and Resolution Adopted.
#dcr #dot #highwaymaintenance #prisons #workfurloughprogram
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Bill Summary · SR 18

Legislative bill overview

SR 18 is a resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to partner with the Department of Transportation to utilize inmate work furlough programs for state roadway and highway maintenance. The measure passed both committee reviews with broad support and has been formally adopted by the Senate.

Why is this important

Work furlough programs can provide meaningful labor for infrastructure maintenance while potentially reducing incarceration costs and offering inmates work experience and earning opportunities. This collaboration could address staffing gaps in highway maintenance while serving rehabilitation objectives, though implementation requires careful coordination between two state agencies.

Potential points of contention

  • Labor and wage concerns: Questions about inmate compensation, working conditions, and whether this displaces paid Department of Transportation positions or undercuts prevailing wage standards
  • Safety and liability issues: Road maintenance involves hazardous conditions; unclear protocols for inmate supervision, injury liability, and public safety responsibilities
  • Program capacity and logistics: Whether current furlough program capacity can meaningfully support highway maintenance needs, and resource requirements for inter-agency coordination and oversight

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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