2 Powerpoints on the Problems with Private Prisons

Posted on May 20, 2013 by 808justice

Dr. Paul Leighton- Eastern Michigan University

Problems With Private Prisons 2013

Problems With Private Prisons 2011

Graduation at WCCC

Posted on May 20, 2013 by 808justice

REPORT ON GRADUATION OF SOLUTION-FOCUSED FORGIVENESS/RESTORATIVE JUSTICE CLASSES AT WCCC
from Kat

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Yesterday afternoon I attended two graduation gatherings for two classes that Lorenn Walker and Dawn Slaten teach on solution focused forgiveness/restorative justice. Judge Steve Alm and Judge Leslie Kobayashi are regular attendees of these ceremonies.

It is always so uplifting to be with the women who, despite their circumstances, find joy in the simplest things. It is a great lesson in gratitude and attitude!

The first class was with the closed custody women who are locked down 23 hours a day. They don’t mix with the general population, the 5 or 6 closed custody women dine alone, and this is the only class they are offered. To hear the women talk about the ‘abyss’ they are in and to listen to their stories is heartbreaking. They are so honest about themselves and what brought them to prison. Some have been in and out multiple times and said that this time, with this excellent class, they really ‘got it’. They understood that their trauma, led them to anger and disappointment, which eventually landed in prison and they now want to make amends to their families and the community for the harms they have caused. They have learned forgiveness and each woman read something she wrote about it. Very moving.

Then we sat in a circle where everyone introduced themselves and shared a few thoughts. The women were amazed when both judges said that the hardest thing for them about sentencing is to send someone to prison. Some of the women remarked that they thought judges loved incarcerating folks! Both Judge Alm and Judge Kobayashi are always encouraging and sincerely want the women to succeed.

I opened with this quote from Mother Teresa: “If we have no peace, it’s because we forgot we belong to each other.” I reminded the women that they are still part of our community and we belong to each other.

The second class was medium security women. They opened the program with a skit about domestic violence, which many of the women have experienced. It was very poignant. Then they sang Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror while one of the women did an amazing dance. They spoke about forgiveness and restorative justice and ended with another woman playing the guitar and the women singing a beautiful song she wrote. Another incredibly moving experience for all of us.

Again, we closed with a circle with each person introducing themselves and sharing thoughts. I am always amazed at the raw honesty of the women. This is what occurs when a safe environment is assured. Some of the guests had never been in a prison and they were amazed by the candor of the women.

None of this would happen without Lorenn and Dawn’s perseverance and the incredible help of Larsen Medina, the Recreation Specialist at WCCC who clears the path to allow this healing to occur. We are so lucky to have such dedicated professional community members like Lorenn and Dawn (both attorneys) who give their time and themselves so willingly and with so much love to our incarcerated sisters.

Brief Report from Kat: Honolulu Reintegration Meeting

Posted on May 19, 2013 by 808justice

CAP Report on TSOCs Honolulu Reintegration Meeting
Queen Lili`uokalani Children’s Center – Kalihi
Wednesday, May 15^th

TSOCS (a subset of Partners in Development) has been facilitating meetings on reintegration in Windward, Leeward and Honolulu to bring formerly incarcerated individuals, service providers, churches, etc. together to help folks transitioning back to the community. I have not been able to participate during the legislative session, but I am so glad that I attended the meeting on Wednesday. There were about 35 people from many different entities (even a professor and some students from a local college).

For all of us working to help our people, it is great that TSOCS has taken on the role of convener and facilitator for these events. They are neutral on the issue, seeking only to build a stronger and healthier community.

The model that we are following is the successful GOING HOME collaboration that has been working together on Hawai`i Island for 6 or 7 years. I am heartened to see concern for our brothers and sisters exiting incarceration. This is what is desperately needed to help folks successfully transition.

I strongly encourage folks to attend future meetings. The next one is scheduled for Leeward is on THURSDAY, MAY 23^rd at New Hope in Waipahu. I will ask Arlina Wong to send me the flyer so I can get it to you.

Together we can grow this coalition to be strong advocates for those returning from incarceration. It takes a village to foster successful reentry!

Honolulu Reintegration Meeting This Wednesday, May 15

Posted on May 13, 2013 by 808justice

HONOLULU REINTEGRATION MEETING

Wednesday, May 15, 2013
6:00pm –8:00pm
Queen Lili`uokalani Children’s Center
1300-A Halona St.

T-SOCS T-MIXER
Join Us!
Collaboration Building

To explore ex-offender reintegration in the Honolulu community.

Network with others who have similar goals and vision:
Discuss needs
Develop partnerships
Discover available services

Spread the word and invite others!
Here for flyer

For more info contact Arlina at 778-1662

2013 Legislature in Summary

Posted on May 8, 2013 by 808justice

Here for ALL BILLS PASSED IN 2013

Here for ALL RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED IN 2013

# of Bills Introduced at the 2013 Legislature: 2,872

# of Senate Bills that Passed Final Reading: 171

# of House Bills that Passed Final Reading: 119

Total # of Bills that Passed Final Reading: 290 = 10.09%

Total CAP-Supported Bills that Passed Final Reading: 10 = 3.44% (.02% in Senate; .05% in House)

Watch this short film: Persevere, WalkTheTalk.com

CAP Watch: Kat’s Reflections on the 2013 Legislature

Posted on May 6, 2013 by 808justice

Sunday, May 5, 2013

This session was different than other sessions in many ways.

The new leadership in the House actually proved that things could be different. For the first time in my memory, the Finance and Ways and Means Chairs worked so collaboratively that the budget was completed three days before their internal deadline! They eliminated that last long and painful Friday night, where the old guard was ‘auctioning’ off bills that affect all our lives. There was more transparency (although there is still much to be done in this regard) and less frenzy than usual.

The House was responsible for passing more progressive bills that have been stalled by the old guard – many for more than a decade (such as compassionate care for rape survivors – HB411; transferring the medical marijuana program from public safety to the department of health (as in most other jurisdictions); and finally listening to patients and doctors to make some improvements to the program). None of this would have happened without the new leadership in the House.

Throughout the session, the old guard in the House did its best to stymie the success of the new leadership. There were many behind the scenes maneuvers, starting with the former Speaker refusing to move from his office until right before the opening of the session. Childish moves that reeked of politics rather than ‘doing the people’s business’ as they have repeatedly proclaimed. Despite these challenges, the new leadership stepped up and got down to business right away.

The session opened on January 16^th with the House introducing 1,484 bills and the Senate introducing 1,388 bills – in total 2,872 bills were introduced to the 2013 Legislature.

CAP did very well this session.
MAHALO NUI TO ALL OF YOU WHO RAISED YOUR VOICES FOR JUSTICE AND TO PROMOTE SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITIES.

We helped pass 6 Justice bills:

· HB 919 – state employment for drug offenders; (signed as ACT 30)

· HB 1133 – Repealing the PLDC (that had corporate prison profiteers salivating); (signed as ACT 38)

· SB 61 – Promoting restorative justice for juveniles; (signed as ACT 62)

· SB 68 – Increasing judicial discretion and reducing mandatory sentences for B & C drug felonies;

· HB 218 – Adding OHA and a Hawaiian practitioner to the Corrections Population Management Commission; and

· HB 1279 – Securing $250,000 for reintegration.

We helped pass 4 Health bills:

· HB 411 – Compassionate care for rape survivors (signed as ACT 27)

· HB 668 – Moving the medical marijuana program from PSD to DOH

· SB 642 – Making some improvements to the medical marijuana program

· SB 655 – Allowing doctors to prescribe medication to partners of those who have sexually transmitted diseases – as recommended by the Center for Disease Control

We worked on many bills this session that didn’t make it (about 35 bills) and we will be working on them next session. I have already been talking with Chairs about them and will work hard in the interim to educate legislators on the wisdom of caring for those incarcerated; those exiting incarceration; and for those struggling individuals and families in our communities.

The most important thing in this work is to never, ever quit. We work on those issues that most folks don’t want to talk, or even think, about. It is our mission to ensure that these important issues are top of mind for policymakers.

Again, CAP humbly thanks all of you who have promoted justice. It does take a village to make the necessary changes.

Love,
Kat

“Reach for the moon, because if you don’t make it you’ll land among the stars.”
Les Brown

CAP Watch: Bills Signed by Governor & Brief Comments from Kat, 5.2.13

Posted on May 3, 2013 by 808justice

MAHALO NUI LOA TO ALL WHO SENT IN TESTIMONY, MADE CALLS, AND HELPED US MOVE TOWARD GREATER JUSTICE. YOUR VOICE IS SO VERY IMPORTANT AND IS DEEPLY APPRECIATED BY THOSE WHO ARE INCARCERATED AND THEIR FAMILIES.

YOU HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE!

Overall, CAP did well this session. As of today, we have 4 bills signed into law:

HB411 HD2 – COMPASSIONATE CARE FOR RAPE VICTIMS – SIGNED BY GOV 4.23.13 - ACT 27
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2013/bills/HB411_HD2_.pdf

HB 919 – STATE EMPLOYMENT – SIGNED BY GOV 4.22.13 - ACT 30
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2013/bills/HB919_.pdf

HB 1133 SD2 – REPEAL PLDC – SIGNED BY GOV 4.22.13 - ACT 38
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2013/bills/HB1133_SD2_.pdf

SB 61 SD 1 HD1 – RESTORATIVE JUSTICE – INFORMAL ADJUSTMENT FOR JUVENILES – ACT 6
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2013/bills/SB61_HD1_.pdf

The bill reducing mandatory minimums and restoring some judicial discretion for B & C drug felonies SB 68
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2013/bills/SB68_HD1_.pdf
is now on the Governor’s desk. I was stressing as I checked each day and didn’t see it enrolled to the Governor. It was just put on the web yesterday as being sent to the Governor on 4.29.13. Now we have to work to get the Governor to sign it as the AG and law enforcement are against it (even though all the bad amendments are theirs!).

We didn’t get a lot of what we wanted, but we did make some changes that can start the process of reform. Securing funding for reintegration (not enough, but hopefully enough to provide some leverage for other funding) and Act 30 – HB 919 – is a good way to get people into the workforce. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, under the leadership of former Senator Dwight Takamine, has been really terrific in tackling workforce development and reentry for those exiting incarceration.

I will write more as I de-compress over the next few days and reflect on what happened, why, and what we can do next session to strengthen our efforts on behalf of those who are incarcerated and those who are exiting incarceration.

With heartfelt thanks to all of you who care about our people…

Love,
Kat

CAP Watch: 5 Bills PASSED Final Reading & 1 Signed into Law by Governor! 4.30.13

Posted on May 1, 2013 by 808justice

BILLS ALREADY SIGNED INTO LAW:

HB411 HD2 – COMPASSIONATE CARE FOR RAPE VICTIMS – SIGNED BY GOV 4.23.13 - ACT 27
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2013/bills/HB411_HD2_.pdf
Establishes a new part in chapter 321, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to ensure that female sexual assault victims are provided with medically and factually accurate and unbiased information about and access to emergency contraception when receiving emergency medical care at Hawaii’s hospitals. (HB411 HD2)

HB 919 – STATE EMPLOYMENT – SIGNED BY GOV 4.22.13 – ACT 30
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2013/bills/HB919_.pdf
Clarifies exemptions from civil service for federally funded work experience programs and temporary public service employment; allows persons with criminal conviction of a controlled-substance-related offense to participate in such programs provided reasonable safeguards are in place.

HB 1133 SD2 – REPEAL PLDC – SIGNED BY GOV 4.22.13 - ACT 38
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2013/bills/HB1133_SD2_.pdf
Repeals chapter 171C, HRS, relating to the PLDC. Transfers PLDC assets to the DLNR. Deposits funds appropriated to the DLNR pursuant to Act 55, SLH 2011, into the land conservation fund. Deposits proceeds in the stadium facilities special fund and the school facilities special fund into the general fund. (S D2)

SB 61 SD 1 HD1 – RESTORATIVE JUSTICE – INFORMAL ADJUSTMENT FOR JUVENILES
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2013/bills/SB61_HD1_.pdf
Provides the option of participating in a restorative justice program for children who are undergoing informal adjustment by a court or other designated agency, which may involve the child and the child’s parents or guardian meeting with the victim harmed by the child’s law violation and that victims supporters. (SB61 HD1)
THE GOVERNOR SIGNED THIS BILL INTO LAW 4.30.13

PASSED FINAL READING – NOT SENT TO GOVERNOR AS YET:

SB 68 SD1 HD1 – RESTORING JUDICIAL DISCRETION FOR CLASS B & C DRUG FELONIES
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2013/bills/SB68_HD1_.pdf
Allows judges discretion in setting incarceration terms when sentencing drug offenders in certain class B and class C felony. Excludes certain offenses cases. (SB68 HD1)
PASSED FINAL READING IN SENATE 4.25.13 24-0 (1 excused , Nishihara)
I have someone checking on this, but perhaps it’s because it was official on Friday,4.26.13 it is going to be sent along with the bills that passed today 4.30. I’ll be watching and asking for your help soon!

BILLS THAT PASSED FINAL READING 4.30.13:

HB 218 HD1 SD2 – CORRECTIONS POPULATION MANAGEMENT COMMISSION – 2 SEATS FOR HAWAIIANS
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2013/bills/HB218_CD1_.pdf
Adds the OHA administrator and a member of the public, who is knowledgeable about issues relating to the criminal justice system and has substantial experience or expertise in traditional Native Hawaiian practices, to the corrections population management commission. (HB218 CD1)
PASSED BOTH HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY ON TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013

HB 668 HD2 SD2 – TRANSFER OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA PROGRAM FROM PSD TO DOH
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2013/bills/HB668_CD1_.pdf
Authorizes transfer of the medical use of marijuana program from the Department of Public Safety to the Department of Health. Requires joint reports to the Legislature. Establishes Medical Marijuana Registry Special Fund. Makes appropriation. (HB668 CD1)
SENATE VOTE 24-1 (SLOM); HOUSE VOE 47–4 (CHOY, ITO, WARD, FALE)

HB 1279 HD1 SD2 – $ FOR REINTEGRATION
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2013/bills/HB1279_CD1_.pdf
Appropriates $250,000 and authorizes the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to receive monetary donations and to expend moneys for programs related to the reintegration of offenders into the general population. Effective July 1, 2013. (HB1279 CD1)
HOUSE VOTE – 51-0; SENATE 23-1 (SLOM); IGE EXCUSED

SB 642 HD2 – TOBACCO; MEDICAL CANNABIS PRG.; TRANSFER TO DOH
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2013/bills/SB642_CD1_.pdf
Amends the definitions of “adequate supply”, “medical use”, “primary caregiver”, “usable marijuana”, and “written certification”. Allows the medical use of marijuana if the amount of marijuana possessed by the qualifying patient does not exceed an adequate supply. Amends registration requirements. Allows inquiries by law enforcement agencies regarding registration status to be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Requires DOH to immediately verify, upon inquiry, whether the subject of an inquiry is registered with DOH. Takes effect 1/2/2015. (CD1)
SENATE VOTE 24-0 (KIDANI EXCUSED); HOUSE 48-3 (HAR W/RESERVATIONS; (ITO, WARD, FALE)

SB 655 SD2 HD2 – EXPEDITED PARTNER THERAPY
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2013/bills/SB655_CD1_.pdf
Allows health professionals, subject to certain requirements, to treat the partners of patients diagnosed as having certain sexually transmitted diseases by dispensing or prescribing medication to the partners without examining the partners. Provides limited liability protection. (CD1)
SENATE VOTED 24-1 (SLOM); HOUSE 50-1 (CACHOLA)

HELD OVER UNTIL THURSDAY, 5.2.13:

HB 622 HD1 SD1 – FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS FOR JOURNALISTS & BLOGGERS – BAD BILL
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2013/bills/HB622_CD1_.pdf
FLOOR AMENDMENT IN HOUSE TO EXTENDTHE LAW FOR 2 MORE YEARS; SENATE POSTPONED DECISIONMAKING UNTIL THURSDAY, MAY 2^ND. THIS BILL IS PROBABLY DEAD – NO MORE SHIELD LAW.
I believe that procedurally they are out of things they can do, but one never really knows. The amended bill was really bad, so we can try again next year.

CAP Watch: Bills Passed by 2013 Legislature – 4.29.13

Posted on April 29, 2013 by 808justice

BILLS PASSED BY 2013 LEGISLATURE

April 29, 2013 Report

BILLS ALREADY SIGNED INTO LAW:

HB411 HD2 – COMPASSIONATE CARE FOR RAPE VICTIMS – SIGNED BY GOV 4.23.13 – ACT 27
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2013/bills/HB411_HD2_.pdf
Establishes a new part in chapter 321, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to ensure that female sexual assault victims are provided with medically and factually accurate and unbiased information about and access to emergency contraception when receiving emergency medical care at Hawaii’s hospitals. (HB411 HD2)

HB 1133 SD2 – REPEAL PLDC – SIGNED BY GOV 4.22.13 – ACT 38
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2013/bills/HB1133_SD2_.pdf
Repeals chapter 171C, HRS, relating to the PLDC. Transfers PLDC assets to the DLNR. Deposits funds appropriated to the DLNR pursuant to Act 55, SLH 2011, into the land conservation fund. Deposits proceeds in the stadium facilities special fund and the school facilities special fund into the general fund. (S D2)

BILL ON GOVERNOR’S DESK:

SB 68 SD1 HD1 – RESTORING JUDICIAL DISCRETION FOR CLASS B & C DRUG FELONIES
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2013/bills/SB68_HD1_.pdf
Allows judges discretion in setting incarceration terms when sentencing drug offenders in certain class B and class C felony. Excludes certain offenses cases. (SB68 HD1)
PASSED FINAL READING IN SENATE 4.25.13 24-0 (1 excused , Nishihara)
Kat has to find out why this bill has not been sent to the Governor

BILLS UP FOR FINAL READING 4.30.13:

HB 622 HD1 SD1 – FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS FOR JOURNALISTS & BLOGGERS - BAD BILL
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2013/bills/HB622_CD1_.pdf
Clarifies that a journalist or newscaster may invoke the privilege based on previous employment only to the extent that the information was obtained during the period of that previous employment; repeals specific conditions that a person may demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence to invoke the privilege; expands the exceptions to claiming the privilege for substantial evidence related to a potential felony or serious crime involving unlawful injury to persons or animals; clarifies that only individuals who validly invoke the privilege will be shielded from fines or imprisonment; and adds definitions. Makes permanent the news media privilege against the compelled disclosure of sources and unpublished sources. Effective June 29, 2013. (HB622 CD1)
FINAL READING TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013

2 Important Events This Week!

Posted on April 28, 2013 by 808justice

1.Tuesday morning, April 30th – Rally at the State Capitol – Re SB 1171 – the bill that would allow phased review of projects.

If you can’t come, please call the numbers on the flyer and ask legislators to VOTE NO on this BAD BILL

2. Wednesday, May 1st -

Healing Our People, Healing Our Streets: Prison is Not the Answer
A Dialogue and Idea Forum of Major Importance with Extraordinary People
http://www.pacrim.hawaii.edu/pacriminfo/pacrim2013/specialevents/healingourpeople/
Price: Free
What to bring: Your hearts & Minds, Your Passion, Your Ideas
When: May 1, 2013: 6:00pm-8:30pm - Doors Open at 5:15pm (light refreshments and pupus)
Where: Church of the Crossroads, 1212 University Avenue, Honolulu Hawai‘i 96826

Hope to see you there!

RAISE YOUR VOICE FOR JUSTICE!

Community Alliance on Prisons

Hawaii