|
|
| Hawaii Governor Wants More Than 300 Inmates Released |
| By KITV |
| Published: 06/11/2002 |
|
Gov. Ben Cayetano said a bill he signed into law Friday will help state met its goal of releasing up to 300 inmates from prison. The bill calls for drug treatment instead of prison for first time non-violent offenders. Earlier, the state said it may release up to 300 inmates. The governor said Friday he wants even more than 300 released to avoid future federal law suits over Hawaii's serious and continuing prison overcrowding. The new law would help reduce prison populations by sending some offenders to drug treatment. Female inmates Lalena Medeiros and Tisha Thompson were at the bill signing at the governor's office Friday. 'When people get in trouble with drugs just throwing them in jail is not the answer. We need to treat them in a way that will be effective,' Cayetano said. Both women are former crystal metamphetamine users. 'My addiction is a public health issue especially for the first time offenders. They should be given a chance,' Thompson said. Medeiros and Thompson got to attend the ceremony in the governor's office because they are on a work furlough, community drug treatment program Both of them attended drug treatment classes earlier this year when they were inmates at the women's prison. 'For me I feel it is very important especially for a first time offense to have an opportunity for drug treatment instead of incarceration,' Medeiros said. However, Honolulu Prosecutor Peter Carlisle said he's worried that under the new law some dangerous criminals may avoid prison. 'I am very concerned that some people who shouldn't be on probation will be given probation,' Carlisle said. The governor said the treatment instead of prison is a major and helpful shift in how the state handles drug offenders, and should keep many of them from returning to prison. |
advertise
|
privacy policy
|
add URL
|
about us
|
terms/disclaimer
|
contact us
|
join our team
|
help
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think