Pretrial detainees make up a big part of the inmate population. Meanwhile, most proposed reforms appear dead in Legislature.

UPDATED: The pretrial detainees were upset about jail overcrowding, according to Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda.

A bill to establish an independent commission to oversee the state’s jails and prisons clears the House and heads to the Senate.

Despite passing the Hawaii House with unanimous support, the bill may face a rockier time in the Senate.

Supporters, including the Department of Public Safety, are backing legislation that would make Hawaii one of a handful of states that allow inmates to cast a ballot.

Legislation to negotiate for the acquisition of the Federal Detention Center is moving rapidly through the Legislature, but the idea still faces big obstacles.

As the death toll mounts for inmates in custody, legislators push bills to force disclosure of information.

Many people sit in jail awaiting trial on fairly minor offenses simply because they can’t afford to get out. This may be the year that changes.

Legislative leaders who are trying to solve Hawaii’s prison crisis say it’s unrealistic to think we can move hundreds of inmates back here anytime soon.

A task force proposed reducing the number of pretrial inmates who remain incarcerated because they can’t afford the bail amount.

UPDATED: The group opposes the construction of a bigger Oahu Community Correctional Center and calls for a new focus on rehabilitation.

A state task force’s recommendations to the Legislature on pretrial procedures won’t contain any “big surprises,” despite calls for reform.