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Posted: Tuesday, July 17th, 2012 9:11 AM HST

Justice task force meets on Big Island

By Ken Hupp - 67AM KPUA News

The 2012 Native Hawaiian Justice Task Force met on the Big Island this weekend to discuss its 2010 report entitled “The Disparate Treatment of Native Hawaiians in the Criminal Justice System.” The report, among other things found that Native Hawaiians make up the highest percentage of people incarcerated in out-of-state facilities. Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe said the task force will recommend bringing those inmates home, but will need to establish an orderly process to do so. “We also need to develop a plan here in Hawai`i, so that we can properly accommodate them,” Crabbe said. “It may be a phased situation where one year we bring a group back, another year, another group back. So that’s what we have to evaluate.” But Tom Anthony, who spoke at the meeting called for much bolder action. “He suggests that he’s going to make a strong recommendation,” Anthony said. “I suggest a showing of good faith. Bring all or people home now.” Anthony had harsh words for the judicial system, which he said was working to the detriment of Native Hawaiians. The Task Force Report also found that Native Hawaiians make up 24 percent of the general population, but 27 percent of all arrests and 39 percent of the incarcerated population. Content for this report was provided by Big Island Video News.