Pod Squad: Why Does Hawaii Have So Many People Behind Bars?

A new task force makes clear that the state has had the wrong criminal justice policy for the past 40 years.

By /

Bob Merce, a board member of the Native Hawaiian Legal Corp., helped author a 2018 task force report calling for the state to focus far more on rehabilitation rather than punishment when it comes to Hawaii’s criminal justice system.

Merce joins host Chad Blair on the Pod Squad to talk about recommendations from the report and how they might be turned into legislation this year.

Bob Merce, a board member of the Native Hawaiian Legal Corp., holds a copy of the HCR 85 task force report on criminal justice reform.

Chad Blair/Civil Beat

Subscribe to the Civil Beat Pod Squad on iTunes or Stitcher.

Want to hear more? Check out Civil Beat's other podcasts.

On Campus
On Campus

We go behind the scenes as teachers and parents launch a brand new charter school in Hawaii.

iTunes
Offshore
Offshore

Offshore is a new immersive storytelling podcast about a Hawaii most tourists never see.

iTunes | Stitcher
The Pod Squad
The Pod Squad

Host Chad Blair dives into the biggest stories of the week and what they mean for the people of Hawaii.

iTunes | Stitcher

Our journalism needs your help.

While asking for your support is something we don’t like to do, the simple fact is that our reporters, our journalism, and our impact rely on it. Since lifting our paywall and becoming a nonprofit in mid-2016, our local newsroom has benefitted from a stream of charitable support from people who want our type of journalism to survive. People like you who understand that our work is essential to a better-informed community. If you value the work of our journalists, show us with your tax-deductible support.

Yes, I'll Donate Today

About the Author

Subscribe on iTunes To listen to previous Podcasts please go to the list of Podcasts in iTunes and right click Civil Beat, then select Download All.

More Podcasts

Pod Squad: Kai Kahele Is Already Running For Congress. Here’s Why April Estrellon/Civil Beat

Pod Squad: Kai Kahele Is Already Running For Congress. Here’s Why

Pod Squad: In Hawaii, Men Still Earn More Than Women Chad Blair/Civil Beat

Pod Squad: In Hawaii, Men Still Earn More Than Women

Pod Squad: The Social Enterprise Of Breadfruit Ice Cream Chad Blair/Civil Beat

Pod Squad: The Social Enterprise Of Breadfruit Ice Cream

Pod Squad: Teaching Theater In The Marshall Islands Chad Blair/Civil Beat

Pod Squad: Teaching Theater In The Marshall Islands