Alternatives to Incarceration

Ohana Ho'opakele on Hawai'i Island has been working for years to gain acceptance of culturally appropriate alternatives to prison that can promote actual healing. Over 500 people have already signed their petition to establish pu'uhonua instead of building more prisons.

It seems this movement is picking up steam with the possible passage of a bill in the Hawai`i legislature to direct the Department of Public Safety to work with us and other restorative justice groups to plan for a Pu`uhonua or Wellness Center, preferable at the site of the Kulani prison, and to bring the plan back before the legislature next year. The news of this bill has been carried in the press in 36 states of the USA and Washington D.C.

See their website http://www.ohanahoopakele.org/ and plan to attend the Ho'olaulea in Hilo on May 12. Contact Sam Kaleleiki at 808-937-7193 to kokua or for more information.