Press Release on Pu’uhonua as alternative to prison & May 26th Ho’olaule’a
Ohana Ho’opakele (Family Rescue)
P.O. Box 5530 Hilo, Hawai’I 96720
Phone: (808)959-9775 Email: OhanaHoopakele@gmail.com
On the web at www.ohanahoopakele.org
Press Release for Immediate release May 20, 2012
Re: Bill HB 2848 SD2 passed by 2012 Hawaii State legislature for a Pu’uhonua/Wellness Center as an alternative to prison. It is on the Governor’s desk awaiting his signature.
Benefit Ho’olaule’a to plan and build a Pu’uhonua. Sat. May 26, 2012 Maku’u Farmers Market 10AM to 5PM. Tickets $10 donation.
further contact: President Sam Kaleleiki 937-7193, Treasurer Ron Fujiyoshi 345-9688
HB 2848 SD2 – PU`UHONUA/WELLNESS CENTER
Requires Department of Public Safety to plan for a model wellness center that employs native Hawaiian cultural practices on state land. (PSD, in cooperation with `Ohana Ho`opakele and other restorative justice groups is directed to create a plan for a Pu`uhonua on state land with the assistance of the Public Lands Development Corporation (PLDC), provided that Kulani gets first preference) and to submit a report to the legislature prior to the 2013 legislative session.
Ohana Ho’opakele Benefit Ho’olaule’a: What, Where and When
Makuu Farmers Market Saturday May 26 from 10 am to 5 pm.
Ohana ho’opakele is throwing a Ho’olaulea fundraiser. Raising money to plan and build a Pu’uhonua/ Hawaiian healing center on Hawaii island as an alternative to prison.
Live music will be provided by : Keli’i “skippy” Ioane. Kaliko guys. Diana Aki. Ben Ka’ili and friends. George and Keoki Kahumoku. Brother Waltah. Brudah Cuz. And Terry Napeahi with Howard Pe’a.
Tickets are $10 donation for a stew plate. Beef or vegetarian.
Tickets are available at Papa Mu Gallery in Prince Kuhio Plaza, 959-1101. For more information you can contact Ohana Ho’opakele president Sam Kaleleiki at 937-7193.
Show your support for a holistic, healing alternative to prison and enjoy a fun event with your Ohana by coming out to the Ho’olaulea May 26th at Maku’u Farmers Market!!!
Besides the good food and music, there will be an educational tent where people can sign Ohana Ho’opakele’s KAHEA in support of the Pu’uhonua, watch a few short videos, see photo displays of Makahiki ceremonies in prisons, and share ways their talents and skills can contribute to the Pu’uhonua effort. Everyone’s kokua is important.
Background and Why Fundraising:
Statistics reveal that Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) have the worstincarceration rate of any ethnic group in Hawaii. In fact using datafrom the Hawai’i Criminal Justice Data Center, researchers for a 2010report from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) found that the
disproportionate impact of the criminal system accumulates at eachstage of the process for Kanaka Maoli. They have a higher incidencefrom the decision to arrest, to longer sentences and longerprobation’s. Data shows that Kanaka Maoli make up 24% of the generalpopulation but nearly 40% of the prison population. Adding to thesetroubling statistics, Kanaka Maoli make up 41% of those incarceratedin out-of-state facilities, isolating them from the ‘aina, cutting themoff from their culture, and creating upheaval in their families.60% of Hawai’i prisoners, in 2000 were classified as nonviolentoffenders. If nonviolent offenders were diverted from prison to community-basedprograms, Hawai’i’s existing prison beds would be more than enough toconfine hardened violent offenders. Shifting emphasis tocommunity-based programs would eliminate the need for new prisons inHawai’i or elsewhere, save taxpayers money and reduce recidivism bytreating, not punishing, substance abuse.
disproportionate impact of the criminal system accumulates at eachstage of the process for Kanaka Maoli. They have a higher incidencefrom the decision to arrest, to longer sentences and longerprobation’s. Data shows that Kanaka Maoli make up 24% of the generalpopulation but nearly 40% of the prison population. Adding to thesetroubling statistics, Kanaka Maoli make up 41% of those incarceratedin out-of-state facilities, isolating them from the ‘aina, cutting themoff from their culture, and creating upheaval in their families.60% of Hawai’i prisoners, in 2000 were classified as nonviolentoffenders. If nonviolent offenders were diverted from prison to community-basedprograms, Hawai’i’s existing prison beds would be more than enough toconfine hardened violent offenders. Shifting emphasis tocommunity-based programs would eliminate the need for new prisons inHawai’i or elsewhere, save taxpayers money and reduce recidivism bytreating, not punishing, substance abuse.
Pu’uhonua would provide reintegration and rehabilitation help to Kanaka Maoli and others with an emphasis on Hawaiian cultural programs such as Ho’oponopono and Aloha Aina along with community service to benefit the Hawaii island community.
Ohana Ho’opakele’s vision is to have Pu`uhonua(DecentralizedWellnessCenters – residential and non-residential) on all islands as an alternative to building more prisons. Samuel Kaleleiki, President of Ohana Ho’opakele said “Pu`uhonua are places open to all,not just KanakaMaoli, where the traditional ho`oponopono process of making right will be used to help heal individuals, families, and communities. We believe Pu`uhonua centers are for the good of all Hawai`i’s people and can provide real hope in saving money, reducing recidivism, crime prevention, and long-term positive change.”
There will be an Ohana Ho’opakele Planning meeting on building a model Pu’uhonua on Saturday, June 23, 2012 from 9-12 noon in the Lounge room at the Church of the Holy Cross, 440 Lanikaula St. Hilo (across from the new UHH building). All interested in helping in this effort are welcome and encouraged to participate. This is a grassroots community undertaking.
-pau-
