Social Justice Corner

Social Justice Council is working on two main issues right now; criminal justice reform and addressing climate change.  Please help us tackle these critical issues by taking some action.  Options are outlined below. 

For Criminal Justice Reform, we believe new jails are not a solution to underlying problems driving incarceration. The state legislature’s own task force (HCR 85) worked for two years (2016-2018) and released a final report stating that “we should immediately stop the costly planning for a huge new jail”. The task force recommends that Hawaii switch from a punitive to a rehabilitative model and follow the national trend of reducing the incarcerated population through “bail reform and innovative diversion programs”.  For more updates, please follow our facebook page Hawaii Justice Action Now.  Actions we hope you’ll take:

1. Please join the effort to stop action on new and/or expansion of incarceration facilities in Hawaii.  Each person is being asked to write 18 postcards. Postcards, script plus names and address lists will be provided. Stamps are not included but if stamps are needed, let Carla Allison know @ cbm@hawaii.rr.com.  Postcard pickup at church Sunday Feb 14 from 3:00-5:00pm. Delivery to Hawaii Kai and Kailua is available.  Requested mail by date is Feb 21st.

2. Please track and provide testimony in SUPPORT of HB1082 (and it’s companion bill SB1245) which calls for a moratorium on the construction of any new correctional facilities or expansion of existing facilities without the approval of the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission.
3. Please track and OPPOSE this bill – SB664 calling for the development of a new jail.

 

For Climate Change please see this link for the latest information and need for testimony. With your help, Hawaii could become the first state in the nation to impose a fee on carbon, a step that leading economists believe is the most effective to address climate change.  For more information see the Carbon Cashback website here, or watch this short video. 

 

Before you go…one more ask…testimony is needed for HB286! The first REITs Legislative Hearing has been scheduled!  Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) play a significant role in Hawai’i’s economy, yet the assets and revenues generated by REITs have not been reported to and recorded accurately by the State. Transparency on assets, revenue, deductions, tax status, among other factors will be necessary to more accurately assess how much REITs affect our economy. Let your representatives know that you demand more transparency from REITs profiting in and from Hawai’i and therefore support HB 286. Submit your own testimony on capitol.hawaii.gov! Instructions:

How to submit testimony:

1. Sign in or register for an account @ capitol.hawaii.gov
2. Scroll down and in the center of the page, click on the Testimony icon.
3. On the left side of the page under ‘Enter Bill or Measure,’ type in the bill number (HB286), no spaces.
4. Fill out the form with your name, your position (Support), select ‘As an individual citizen,’ ‘Written Testimony only’
5. If you’d like to submit your own testimony/comments or give oral testimony on HB286, feel free to do so!
6. Click ‘Submit’ and your message will be sent to the Committee on Economic Development. Chair of this committee is Rep. Sean Quinlan.
7. Your testimony confirmation will appear in the left-hand column highlighted in green, showing it was successfully processed and submitted.
8. You’re done!