Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission
HCSOC
Summary
Created by Act 179 (2019), HRS Ch. 353L, the HCSOC oversees Hawaii's correctional system from within the Attorney General's office as an independent body. Five civilian members are appointed respectively by the Governor, Senate President, House Speaker, Chief Justice, and OHA Board Chairperson. The oversight coordinator — appointed by the Governor from a commission list — may enter facilities without notice and the Department of Corrections must provide full access to all information requested (HRS § 353L-5). The Commission investigates complaints, sets maximum inmate population limits, and monitors reentry programming. It submits monthly and annual reports to the Governor and Legislature. No subpoena power or discipline authority over corrections officers is granted by statute.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Mixed (multi-branch) |
|---|---|
| Term length | 4 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | No |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 353L
- Citation
- HRS § 353L-1 to 353L-7
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
All state correctional facilities and the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (formerly Department of Public Safety)