July 23, 2007
Letter to the Editor
Senate Bill 932: Public safety at stake
Prison system needs updated methods
There are inmates who must be kept in prison due to the nature of their
crimes. There are also nonviolent inmates who could probably be
released with proper supervision, monitoring, assistance and programs.
Our prison population is increasing, and a different approach to
handling our offenders must be implemented.
With little direction from the Lingle administration through her first
term, the Legislature instituted a new approach this past session
entailing re-entry programs and rehabilitation for our prison
population. Recidivism issues must be addressed, and the need to
prepare our inmates and their families through innovative
community-driven services and programs is the national trend today.
Hawaii should embrace this model and become a leader in prison reform.
Senate Bill 932 is the beginning of this new approach and attitude.
The Lingle administration has concerns with the measure, however,
interim public safety director Clayton Frank should use this bill as an
opportunity to turn Hawaii's prison system around by emphasizing
treatment and rehabilitation for those inmates who would benefit.
Hard-core criminals will still be confined, but where more successful,
inexpensive approaches are possible, we must change our way of thinking
to help those who can be rehabilitated.
The Legislature understands the state's cautious view. But the
Department of Public Safety is in a position to implement a progressive
approach to dealing with our inmate population, and it should plan and
design the proposed prison in Puunene, Maui, based on this new
approach. I know there are unions, businesses, community-based,
faith-based and culturally sensitive programs that would be willing to
work with our state to deal with our prison population.
The return of prisoners from the mainland is inevitable. The DPS must
implement an innovative plan that incorporates SB 932 in this process.
Now is not the time to say it cannot be done; the interim director must
say it can be done and here's how we will do it. Action is now needed
on SB 932, not excuses. Your Legislature is watching and willing to
assist where needed. The public safety of our community is also our top
priority.
Sen. Will Espero
(D, Ewa-Honouliuli-Ewa Beach)
Chairman, Senate Public Safety Committee
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