NCJ Number
84201
Date Published
1981
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This paper traces the development of Hawaii's correctional master plan, assesses the plan and the State's correctional goals, and recommends steps to improve the achievement of such goals as an emphasis on community treatment of offenders.
Abstract
The master plan was formulated between 1970 and 1973 and was adopted by the State legislature in 1973. The plan aimed to account for all phases of the criminal justice system relating to the rehabilitation of the adult offender. The plan called for community correctional centers providing medium security, a high-security correctional facility, and community-based programs such as vocational training and halfway houses. The projected size of facilities was based on a straight-line projection based on population growth. However, the populations of Hawaii's correctional facilities have exceeded projections due to the increased crime rate, an increase in the average minimum sentence for offenders, and other factors. Two evaluations of the master plan have agreed that the focal point of correctional administration should be on community treatment of most offenders. However, the commitment to the plan has been inadequate. Among problems are the diagnostic evaluation of criminal offenders referred to intake service centers and the need for fully developed community alternatives to incarceration. It is recommended that efforts be made to produce public acceptance of the need to treat many offenders in the community and that community-based programs be strongly emphasized. In addition, the retention of correctional personnel should be emphasized and plans for construction of correctional facilities should be reevaluated. Additional recommendations, figures, and tables are provided.