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HR 70

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION TO EXPAND ITS PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS TO INCLUDE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Elijah Pierick

Hawaii bill requests Department of Corrections expand rehabilitation programs to include community service opportunities for incarcerated individuals to improve reentry outcomes.

The committee on PBS recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The recommendation was not adopted. The votes were as follows: 1 Ayes: Representative(s) Shimizu; Ayes with reservations: none; 8 Noes: Representative(s) Belatti, Iwamoto, Hashem, Ichiyama, Lamosao, Morikawa, Poepoe, Souza; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Woodson.
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Bill Summary · HR 70

Legislative bill overview

HR 70 requests that Hawaii's Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation expand its existing personal and professional development programs to include community service components. The bill is non-binding and asks the department to integrate community service opportunities into rehabilitation programming for incarcerated individuals.

Why is this important

Community service programs in correctional settings can enhance rehabilitation outcomes, reduce recidivism, and allow incarcerated individuals to contribute positively to their communities while serving sentences. This approach aligns with rehabilitation-focused criminal justice models that many states are adopting, potentially benefiting both participants and communities.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource allocation: Expanding programs requires funding and staff resources that may be limited in already-stretched correctional budgets, raising questions about feasibility and costs
  • Public safety concerns: Some lawmakers may worry about security risks or public perception of allowing incarcerated individuals to work in communities, despite research supporting such programs
  • Implementation ambiguity: The bill is vague about specific program structure, oversight mechanisms, and which incarcerated populations would participate, leaving implementation details unclear

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

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