Statistics reveal that native Hawaiians have the worst incarceration rate of any ethnic group in Hawai'i. Figures from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Data Book reveal that about 46% of all those incarcerated in “Correctional Facilities” in Hawai'i are native Hawaiians.

For juveniles, the figures are even higher (51%), while Hawaiians only make up 20% of the overall population of Hawai'i. Why are there disproportionate numbers of native Hawaiians in prisons?

According to the Department of Public Safety, as of January 31, 2000, there were 3,531 prisoners incarcerated in the state of Hawai'i. An additional 1,200 Hawai'i prisoners were locked up in Minnesota, Tennessee and Oklahoma, bringing the total Hawai'i prisoner population to 4,731.

Sixty percent of Hawai'i prisoners (roughly 2800 prisoners) are classified as non-violent offenders. Approximately 1900 are classified as having committed violent crimes but are not necessarily hardened violent people.

Public Safety Director Ted Sakai has stated that 25% of the people who entered prison in 1999 did not commit new crimes but failed urine tests while on probation or parole. If non-violent offenders were diverted from prison to community-based programs, Hawai'i's 3400 existing prison beds would be more than enough to confine hardened violent offenders.

Shifting emphasis to community-based programs would eliminate the need for a new prison in Hawai'i or elsewhere, save taxpayers money and reduce recidivism by treating, not punishing, substance abuse.