Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 27, Number 10, 1 October 2010 — Aloha mai kākou, [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Aloha mai kākou,

Over the years there have been a number of studies conducted concerning the disparate treatment of African Americans in America's criminal justice system. Though some individuals in our community believe that Native Hawaiians experience similar treatment in the Hawai'i criminal justice system, no comprehensive study has been conducted to determine or deny that such treatment exists. The genesis for a newly released study eame from a desire to know, onee and for all, whether Hawaiians are or are not discriminated against in Hawai'i's criminal justice system. Currently, there are an overwhelming number of Native Hawaiian men and women incarcerated in prison in Hawai'i and on the continent. Incarceration affects not only an individual person, but everything and everyone connected to them. Families are torn apart, children are left without their parents and whole communities are dismantled. The magnitude and complexity of this problem caused considerable attention that led to a eollahorative research study that began three years ago. In this groundbreaking study, OHA asked: "Is there disparate treatment of Native Hawaiians in the crim-

inal justice system? If so, how and why?" A collaborative research effort began with the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Justice Policy Institute and Georgetown University to employ both quantitative and qualitative research methods to gather valuable information to better understand and address the concems of our indigenous people. The results and recommendations of this study are needed to initiate policy reform and sy stemic change for Hawai'i. When we advocate and focus on Native Hawaiians, we are, in short, advocating for the rest of humanity and thus, it is our hope that this report will further reach to other indigenous people on the continent and the world. (For more on this report, The Disparate Treatment ofNative Hawaiians in the Criminal Justice System, see pages 4 and 5.) It is clear that when a Native Hawaiian person enters the criminal justice system, they serve more time in prison and more time on probation than other racial or ethnic groups. Native Hawaiians are also likely to have their parole revoked and be returned to prison compared to other racial or ethnic groups. Coupled with the experiences of pa'ahao included in the pages of this report, it is clear that Native Hawaiians are caught in a cycle of imprisonment that is perpetuated across generations. Although the study is completed, our work at

OHA has begun. In the past, OHA has supported community programs to reduce recidivism rates

and promote wellness, vocational training and substance abuse treatment. These agencies and organizations include: TJ Mahoney Ka Hale Ho'āla Hou No Nā Wāhine, Maui Eeonomie | Opportunity Ine., Alu Like Ine., Ho'omau Ke Ola and many more. We anticipate in moving and working with systems of law enforcement, and program development at the Women's Com-

munity Correctional Center. Whether you are Native Hawaiian or non-Hawaiian, moving beyond race or ethnicity, Hawai'i needs to implement

effective and purposeful policies to address incarceration at its root core to building a vibrant, healthy nation. Me ka 'oia'i'o, I

Clyde W. Nāmu'o Chief Executive Officer

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