Hawaii to Receive More than $2 Million to Combat Domestic Violence, Fund Drug Courts and Reduce Recidivism

Statement

Hawaii will receive $2,037,469 to combat domestic violence, fund drug courts, and lower rates of recidivism, Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Senator Daniel K. Akaka, U.S. Representative Mazie K. Hirono and U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa announced today.

The money comes through a series of four grants administered by the U.S. Department of Justice.

"As a former deputy prosecutor in Honolulu, I can assure you that putting people in jail is but one part of a comprehensive approach to law enforcement and the establishment of safe and stable communities. By funding drug courts and programs aimed at reducing recidivism we attempt to rehabilitate offenders in the hope that they may one day contribute to the community in a positive way. And we must do all we can to provide for domestic violence survivors while prosecuting their attackers to the extent the law allows. I would like to thank the administration for this critical investment," said Senator Inouye.

"This critical funding will help Hawaii empower victims of domestic violence and stop abusers. These grants will aid drug offender rehabilitation and help former inmates become productive members of society," said Senator Akaka.

"These DOJ investments focus on key priorities such as making sure our justice system can support survivors of domestic violence and see their assailants brought to justice. Support is also given to employment assistance and mentoring programs for individuals returning from prison to stop recidivism and help them become productive and integrated members of local communities. Mahalo to the Obama Administration for working to build stronger and safer communities in Hawaii," said Congresswoman Hirono.

"I am glad to see that these grants approach the criminal justice system in a comprehensive way, recognizing that our community also benefits from investments in diversion programs and programs aimed at reducing recidivism. Incarceration should be just one approach among many as we work to develop a justice system that serves our community's needs while also reflecting the nature of the crime and the offender. I want to thank the Justice Department for helping us address these complex challenges," said Congresswoman Hanabusa.

DOJ Grants:

$1,036,624 for STOP VAWA formula grant.

$53,326 for loan repayment for public defenders and prosecutors

$ 597,576 for Second Chance Act re-entry services

$ 349,943 for Drug Courts