Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Community service
work gives city a
financial breakQuestion: I'm concerned about people doing community service as punishment for their crimes. I go to Ala Moana Park and see offenders doing community service, but they're just standing there smoking a cigarette with no supervision. Whose responsibility is it to supervise these people?
Answer: The state Judiciary's Community Service Sentencing Branch oversees the community service program for the courts.
Individuals who perform eight hours of community service work a day and who may appear to be just "standing" around could be taking an entitled morning, lunch or afternoon break, said Judiciary spokeswoman Marsha Kitagawa.
But she also points out that offenders aren't the only ones performing community service work at Ala Moana Park. Volunteer groups also help maintain the park, she said.
Regarding court-ordered work, the agency or work site is responsible for supervising assigned offenders and for reporting any work performance concerns immediately to the CSSB, she said.
If you have a complaint about a CSSB-placed worker at Ala Moana Park, contact the park's Maintenance Office at 973-2020 or the CSSB at 538-5757.
"As a CSSB-authorized work site, Ala Moana Park personnel are responsible for training, supervising and monitoring the offenders until they fulfill the hours required by the courts," Kitagawa explained. "Park personnel (as well as personnel from any other CSSB work site) will recommend termination for unexcused absences, insubordination, intoxication, poor work performance, etc."
In turn, CSSB staff monitor the offenders' work progress through agency reports and field visits. Anyone who does not fulfill his or her court-ordered community service work eventually may be sentenced to jail, Kitagawa said.
Asked to explain how the community service program works and who qualifies for it, she said any adult or juvenile offender may be ordered to perform a specified number of hours of community service for offenses ranging from traffic violations to more serious felonies, as detailed in Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 706-605(1)(e); (4); Sec. 708-833.5; Sec. 431:10C-117; and Sec. 571-48(12).
"Community service work is often imposed by judges as a straight sentence, a condition of probation or deferral, or an alternative to a monetary fine or state general fund contribution, and in some instances, incarceration," Kitagawa said. "It is also used in combination with these traditional sentences."
Judges do not specify the type of work or where the community service work is to be performed. The CSSB determines the most appropriate work placement based on, among other factors, the violators -- their current offenses, criminal histories, work experiences, educational training, availability of transportation to work sites, physical disabilities, and mental and emotional disabilities.
Approximately 300 private, nonprofit or tax-supported agencies are involved in the program, with each agency specifying the type of service needed, such as general grounds maintenance, clerical, janitorial, construction, painting, service projects, care-taking, as well as specialties such as computer programming, art work and special productions.
Kitagawa says community service benefits everyone involved: the community, the justice system and the offender.
About $1 million and thousands of hours in cumulative services are provided by offenders annually (based on the minimum wage rate), benefiting government, hospitals, public and private parks and gardens, recreational facilities, social service agencies, animal care organizations and other groups, she said.
For the justice system, community service provides "an equitable, cost-effective sanction" and an additional alternative to conventional sentencing options, she said. "The offender is held solely accountable with no financial burden to family and the community." Offenders, meanwhile, are able to make a non-monetary restitution to society, as well as gain work experience, skills and career training, Kitagawa said.
Q: I am looking for a lawyer specializing in HMOs. Do you have any suggestions?
A: We do not make such referrals. However, you can call the Lawyer Referral and Information Service, at 537-9140. It should be able to provide you with some leads.
Mahalo
To all the postal clerks at bustling Ala Moana Post office. They render consistent proficient cordial service to all patrons. We also appreciate their extended hours to accommodate the long, long lines during the busy holiday season. -- Mabel Chang
Auwe
To those people who think they are being environmentally conscious by leaving their Christmas trees at the recycling drop-off locations before the actual recycling dates. You show no responsibility by doing this. What if a fire starts? Who is responsible for the safety of patrons or neighboring houses? What's wrong with holding it at your house for another week? The city is doing US a favor, so let's help and do them a favor by playing it safe and smart. -- Keith
Got a question or complaint?
Call 529-4773, fax 529-4750, or write to Kokua Line,
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210,
Honolulu 96813. As many as possible will be answered.
Email to kokualine@starbulletin.com