Expand the Jail & Create a Mental Hospital on Big Island, Hawaii

Petition · Expand the Jail & Create a Mental Hospital on Big Island, Hawaii - United States · Change.org

The Issue

Dangerous individuals are released all the time because there is nowhere to house them. The Hilo Jail & State Mental Hospital are full ! 

Our plea is simple yet urgent - 

1. Expand the Hilo Jail and/or build a new Kona side Jail 
2. Establish a Mental Hospital on our island

Aloha, I've lived on the Big Island (Hawaii County) for many years & created this petition out of love for the community. My neighbor was brutally murdered by a mentally ill man. My business and friends' businesses in Pahoa, Hilo and Kona are vandalized weekly by repeat offenders.

Friends' cars have been stolen, homes burglarized, and neighbors traumatized by repeat domestic violence only to see the perpetrators released from jail, without serving any reasonable sentence.

Our public parks and spaces are often shut down due to destruction caused by these individuals.  

After attending many meetings with local police, prosecutors and lawmakers, it's become clear:

These individuals are being released because there's nowhere to house them. 

The Hilo jail (HCCC) and the only State Mental hospital (Oahu) have been over capacity for years. These facilities were built many years ago when our population was much smaller. The overcrowding also creates an un-safe environment for the staff and residents, and does not provide humane rehabilitation.

Local Judge Robert D.S. Kim said in a statement to KHON2 news:

"There is a concern about the overcrowded conditions at HCCC. The situation is critical. The conditions are not acceptable and the courts are painfully aware of the need for a comprehensive plan to alleviate the overcrowding, as well as the emergency need to find bed spaces at other facilities in the State. The situation is dire when compounded with the complete lack of mental health diversion for mental health inmates on the Big Island.”

Local Prosecutor Kelden Waltjen added: 

“Oftentimes judges will release persons who have been charged with criminal offenses, because of -- the over occupancy at HCCC, That does not promote trust and competence in our criminal justice system.”

There is no effective crime deterrent in place or treatment for the mentally ill.

Our plea is simple yet urgent -

Expand the Hilo Jail and/or build a new Kona side Jail 
Establish a Mental Hospital on our island

Appropriate sized and staffed jail facilities will provide humane housing for criminals, while the mental hospital will provide much-needed help for those suffering from mental illnesses.

The rate of violent crime in Hawaii County has increased 68% from 2019 according to a report by the Attorney General. It's time we address this issue head-on to ensure safety for all residents.

We implore you - our elected officials - to take immediate action towards  improving public safety in Hawaii County.

Mahalo

LINK: Petition · Expand the Jail & Create a Mental Hospital on Big Island, Hawaii - United States · Change.org