EARLY RELEASE INCENTIVE IDEAL FOR DRUG OFFENDERS

Gov. Linda Lingle wants to bring back 1,200 inmates from Mainland prisons. A
unique alternative to incarceration for inmates sentenced on Maui for
drug-related crimes has been in operation for more than 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 urinalysis testing, 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 that 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 Hawai'i'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 Hawai'i's fastest 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