A newly constructed Hawaiʻi psychiatric facility sits empty because of problems including sloping showers and door fixtures that could be dangerous for suicidal patients.
In a recent exchange with Chinatown business owners, Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm offered an encouraging report about a program to get incapacitated homeless people off the streets.
Hawaii Supreme Court Ends Pandemic-Related Early Prisoner Release
As state and local governments across the United States ease pandemic-related restrictions, the Supreme Court of the State of Hawaii has decided to end a program that allowed for the release of low-level inmates early in hopes of controlling the spread of COVID-19 in the Aloha State’s detention facilities.
The three-page ruling ending judicial oversight of the jails came on April 16. The vote was 4–1.
The order also ended the temporary prohibition on judges imposing bail on defendants charged with certain low-level offenses.
Concerned about a viral breakout at Oahu Community Correctional Center, the Office of the Public Defender filed a petition with the court Aug. 12, 2020, seeking the expedited release of certain categories of inmates at Hawaii’s community correctional centers and facilities. At that time, “the pandemic’s trajectory remained uncertain and vaccinations were not available.”