EXPANDED DRUG COURT COULD CUT NEED FOR PRISONS

Gov. Linda Lingle wants to bring back 1,200 Hawaii inmates from Mainland
prisons. A unique alternative to incarceration for inmates sentenced on Maui
for drug-related crimes has been in operation for over a year.

Maui inmates are placed on early release, via 90 days of in-custody drug
treatment in Dorm 3 at the Maui Community Correctional Center. Treatment for
these inmates continues while released from custody on early parole or while
furloughed into community Drug Court supervision for up to a year with
weekly visits to the Drug Court judge.

Treatment consists of daily urine analysis tests, one-on-one and group
counseling, relapse prevention, cognitive restructuring, life skills
training, educational and vocational training and other rehabilitative
services for these men and women who are caught up in the cycle of drugs,
crime and prison.

Such a reintegration program on an early-release incentive is ideal for drug
offenders who make up more than half of Hawaii's 5,500-inmate population.
Statewide expansion of Maui's model re-entry program will reduce prison
overcrowding and reduce the recidivism rate for parole violators who
represent Hawaii's fasted growing inmate population.

Drug courts are proven to be the most successful way to treat drug
offenders.

Jon Kinimaka, Friends of the Maui Drug Court

Lahaina