Some pre-trial detainees are held in jail because they can’t afford bail. Hawaiʻi bail reform advocates have launched an initiative to help secure bail and reentry services for them. The initiative comes as Gov. David Ige mulls over a measure that would eliminate cash bail for pre-trial detainees accused of nonviolent crimes. HPR’s Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi has more.
U.S. Department of Justice statistics show the state prison system released 30% fewer inmates in 2020 than the year before, the biggest decrease among the states.
Reform advocates blast state over COVID-related inmate deaths at prison
Reform advocates blast prison officials over COVID-related deaths at Halawa By Rick Daysog | February 18, 2021 at 5:04 PM HST - Updated February 18 at 6:36 PM
HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - Reform advocates are asking state prison officials tough questions over recent COVID-related inmate deaths at the Halawa Correctional Facility.
The virus has killed six inmates at the prison, including one man who had served behind bars for 30 years and was set to be released this month.
“I just don’t understand how this possibly can happen in our system and it is just appalling to me that number one why wasn’t he released?” said attorney Robert Merce, who testified during a meeting of the Hawaii Correctional Systems Oversight Commission.