Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission

Hoe Amau: The current state of reentry in Hawaii
Hoe Amau Appendix
Consistent with the Commission’s mandate to monitor and review the reentry system and comprehensive offender reentry program, the Commission has published its inaugural reentry report, Hoe Amau: The current state of reentry in Hawaii. Hoe amau (pull for the shore) represents the desperate effort to reach a safe and stable place, symbolizing the hope for salvation and opportunity for a new beginning.

Hawaii’s correctional and reentry system stands at a pivotal moment, with a clear path forward toward a rehabilitative and therapeutic model. While significant challenges remain—including staffing shortages, gaps in reentry services, and delays in parole releases—this report highlights both the barriers and the opportunities for meaningful reform. Addressing systemic issues such as inadequate reentry planning, limited program availability, and inconsistent implementation of statutory mandates will be critical in improving outcomes for individuals in custody and enhancing community safety.

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Correctional Staff Survey, Findings, and Recommendations Report
The HCSOC deliberately undertook this staffing survey and report as the Commission’s first system-wide report due to the concerning conditions that staff are expected to work in. For years, the Commission has heard devastating stories from uniform and civilian correctional staff regarding their working conditions whether it be in person during facility tours, or through correctional staff contacting the Commission directly. Corrections staff are desperate to be heard and for meaningful change to occur. This report was intentionally prioritized by the HCSOC to address the critical issues outlined by staff.

Survey Results:

• • Statewide Results
  • Statewide Jail Results
  • Statewide Prison Results
  • Statewide Uniform Staff Results
  • Statewide Civilian Staff Results

Prison Survey Results:

• • Halawa Correctional Facility (HCF)
  • Waiawa Correctional Facility (WCF)
  • Kulani Correctional Facility (KCF)
  • Women’s Community Correctional Center (WCCC)

Jail Survey Results:

• • Hawaii Community Correctional Center (HCCC)
  • Maui Community Correctional Center (MCCC)
  • Oahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC)
  • Kauai Community Correctional Center (KCCC)

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House Concurrent Resolution 23 Task Force Report
During the 2023 Legislative Session, House Concurrent Resolution No. 23 was passed requesting the Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission to convene a task force to examine and make recommendations regarding existing procedures of the Hawaiʻi Paroling Authority setting the minimum terms of imprisonment. The resolution aimed to explore parole models from other states and determine whether minimum sentencing responsibilities should be removed from the Paroling Authority. The task force included representatives from various sectors, including the judiciary, executive branch, legislature, and victims’ advocates.