The Native Hawaiian Justice Task Force conducted a series of summits throughout the pae ‘āina. The community was asked to share their manaʻo as to why Native Hawaiians are disproportionately represented in Hawaiʻi’s criminal justice system, and how government officials and community members can address this serious matter.
In 2010, OHA released the study “The Disparate Treatment of Native Hawaiians in the Criminal Justice System.” IN 2011, OHA advocated for the passage of Act 170, creating a Task Force to: Formulate policies and procedures to eliminate the disproportionate representation of Native Hawaiians in Hawai‘i’s criminal justice system by looking for new strategies to reduce or avoid unnecessary involvement of these individuals with the criminal justice system.
Section 2(b) of Act 170 continues: The Task Force shall recommend cost-effective mechanisms, legislation and policies to reduce or prevent individuals’ unnecessary involvement with the criminal justice system. The recommendations shall include estimates of cultural and fiscal impact.
