Categorized | Elections, News

Marx: It’s time to bring prisoners home

MEDIA RELEASE

Bob Marx, Democratic Candidate for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District, calls for an end to outsourcing Hawaii’s prisoners to private, mainland prisons.

Currently, the state houses 1,738 convicted prisoners in mainland, privately operated prisons in Arizona — not counting the more than 200 female prisoners who were removed from a privately-run Kentucky prison. These women were removed to protect them from physical and sexual assault.

The state has recently unveiled a plan to return all prisoners from out of state private prisons to facilities in Hawaii. The initial cost of housing an inmate in Hawaii is greater: $128 per day versus $76.18 per day.

The cost savings was initially thought to be worthwhile. However, when taking into account the detrimental effects of being separated from family and cultural support, the increased recidivism rates near 90 percent.

Marx, speaking with a group of Puna Democrats said, “Bringing back Hawaii’s prisoners will initially cost more due to construction costs of new facilities on Maui and the Big Island, and re-opening of the closed facility at Kulani. In addition, we need to expand the Wahiawa Correctional facility on Oahu.”

The long-term savings are estimated at $9.8 Million for fiscal 2013, $19.5 million in 2014 and $26.5 million in 2015.

“The cost savings does not take into account the value added effect of Hawaii tax dollars being spent in the local economy for staffing and operating the facilities. The short-term job creation for the construction phase of the new facilities will create an immediate economic boost,” Marx said.

“I will support efforts to bring federal matching funds to Hawai‘i. Then we can build the required facilities, and ensure matching federal educational funding of programs for prisoners. With an education they are more likely to get a job and less likely to return to prison. The best public dollar spent is invested in education,” he said.

Marx is a Democratic Candidate for Hawai‘i’s 2nd Congressional District.

— Find out more:
bobmarxforcongress.com

2 Responses to “Marx: It’s time to bring prisoners home”

  1. CToersbijns says:

    This will bring sanity back for many families and Hawaii will have a clear conscience on their incarceration policies and control within rather than being on the outside of the problem.. Good thoughs and good topic to run on.. After all, this will help the local economy and not Arizona’s as it has been the last many years. It’s not about right or wrong really, its about controlling costs for those who pay taxes and want better spending and accountablity e.g. control of their money

  2. Amy jean says:

    Arizona is one of the most corrupt, hillbilly states in the country. They pride themselves on hating anyone who is not white and or republican.

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