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Tell Hawai'i to Stop Arbitrarily Extending Prison Sentences
  1. Signatures
    275 out of 500
    Petitioning
    1. The Governor of HI
  2. Created By
    Matt Kelley
    New Haven, CT
About this Petition Petition Letter Petition Updates

Hawai'i Gov. Neil Abercrombie recently announced his intention to bring all state prisoners back from private prisons on the mainland United States to the Hawaiian islands. This is an important step for the state, because housing prisoners closer to their communities helps to reduce recidivism and keeps families and communities united. Housing prisoners 3,000 miles and an ocean away is counterproductive and wasteful. Abercrombie deserves our praise for this important step.

But there's still work to do. A recent report from the state's auditor found that prisoners in the state are routinely held after they complete their sentences, due to clerical errors or negligence. This practice must end, and tackling this issue can further address prison overcrowding in the state. 

Sign the petition below to urge Abercrombie to ensure that the practice of over-detention will end. 

Photo Credit: grantzprice

Why People Are Signing
Recent Signatures

A Step in the Right Direction on Prisons

Dear Gov. Abercrombie,

I'm writing to applaud you on your announcement that Hawai'i prisoners will be held in the state, rather than in private facilities on the mainland United States. This is an important move for Hawai'i, and I truly appreciate your leadership on this issue.

I'm also writing to raise another issue, however. As you know, a report from the state auditor in December found significant problems with over-detention in state prisons, particularly at the Halawa Correctional Facility. An examination of the prison's records found that 28% of prisoners had been held past the completion of their sentence. I'm sure you agree that this is unacceptable, and I'm writing to urge you to direct the Hawai'i Department of Public Safety to take immediate steps to address issues with record keeping to ensure that prisoners are released when their sentences are completed.

I'm encouraged that you have already taken steps to reform the state's wasteful prison system, and I hope you will continue to promote smart, proven criminal justice reforms in the years ahead.

Thank you for your attention to this important issue.

[Your name]

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