Hawai驶i government needs to show that lawlessness will not be tolerated.

At the front end, provided $336,000 for the successful Weed and Seed Program active in several Oahu communities. These prevention funds will help operations which battle drug use and promote healthy drug-free programs and projects.

At the tail end, provided $250,000 to codify the statewide automated victim information and notification system. This program was initially started with federal funds, and will now be incorporated into our state government providing a valuable tool and resource for victims of crime to utilize.

establishes a Clean and Sober Home and Halfway House Task Force to address issues and matters pertaining to these housing facilities and their impact on neighborhoods and residents. Many released inmates end up in these halfway homes, and the homes are needed to help inmates as they transition from prison to a free society.

The reentry intake service centers were given new direction and work through . Re-entry has taken a more visible role in the Abercrombie administration, and HB2599 will assist the department in creating a successful re-entry component in our prison system.

The cornerstones of this session relating to corrections and judicial reform can be found in and . HB2515 primarily changes our probation system by lowering probation terms from 5 to 4 years in certain situations and allowing certain 2nd time drug offenders to be released on probation.

The major changes for this session can be found in SB2776 which had support from Governor Abercrombie, the Hawaii Judiciary, Legislative leadership, and many legislators and stakeholders as well. Improvements in the pre-trial detainee processing, two additional Paroling Authority Members, use of validated risk assessments, increases in victim restitution payments, and added staff positions in PSD will begin needed changes in our corrections system.

reconstitutes the Re-entry Commission and will allow non-government stakeholders an opportunity to work with re-entry staff and monitor re-entry services.

Finally, allows cash to be received on weekends to allow people to get out sooner versus later if they do not have access to cash.

One can see the wide spectrum of legislation which will impact and improve our corrections and judicial system. With changes and reform, the issue of returning the approximately 1700 inmates incarcerated on the mainland can truly begin. Eventually, the $45 million being spent on the mainland will be spent in Hawaii employing our residents, circulating in our local economy, and helping our inmates with their re-entry and rehabilitation efforts.

Moreover, the safety of our island residents is paramount, and these measures do not jeopardize public safety or endanger neighborhoods and communities. Improvements and efficiencies in our corrections and judicial system will benefit our state and benefit all the people of Hawaii.

About the author: Sen. Will Espero represents the 20th Senate District, which encompasses Lower Waipahu to Ewa Beach. He currently serves as the Chair of the Public Safety, Military and Intergovernmental Affairs committee.

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Governor Neil Abercrombie will have a difficult task of balancing the budget, and lawmakers must work closely with the new administration as ideas for revenue enhancement or cuts are floated. The Senate Ways and Means Committee and the House Finance Committee will once again be reviewing the departmental budgets, and as a member of WAM, all the department heads have shared their experiences with the furloughs, reduction in work force, and other operational cuts.

Many ideas will be on the table to balance the budget, but it is too early to tell what direction we will go. No one wants to raise taxes, however, difficult decisions will have to be made as the demands and desires of our residents are weighed against our income stream. Creativity will certainly be needed in the months ahead.

The debate about civil unions is expected again, and I know it will get heated like last year. With strong majorities in the House and Senate and with a Democratic governor, one can hypothesize that a bill鈥檚 chances are good this year. Whatever the outcome, I hope that the tenor of the discussion is calm and civilized, and the tone is respectful and considerate.

Bills without an appropriation have a better chance to pass than those bills with dollars attached, however, that does not mean it will be impossible to get funding. For example, I am working on an economic development bill to help our aerospace industry, and funding will be requested. Legislation to help the economy should get attention this year as we climb out of this recession and look at ways to stimulate the economy and create jobs. The economy must be a priority, and CIP projects that the state could fund can be a catalyst for development and growth in the near future.

Sustainability and alternative energy, education improvements, prison reform, agriculture, and the environment are other areas which will be on the agenda this year. I鈥檓 really hoping this could be the year to ban riding in the back of pick-up trucks. Too many people have died over the years, and legislative action could stop this tragedy. I also have a bill to allow victims of domestic violence to voluntarily use stun guns if they are properly trained and of sound mind. Domestic violence advocates have not supported this idea, but women who are in life and death situations should have this option in my opinion.

This will be an exciting year at the State Capitol, and with the Democrats firmly in control, expectations are high. Working together, I believe it will be a successful year.

Sen. Will Espero is the Majority Floor Leader and chair of the Public Safety, Government Operations, and Military Affairs Committee.

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