The state is looking at spending millions of dollars to beef up security at Hawaii's prisons. This comes after reports of sexual abuse in the past and smuggling of illegal drugs into facilities.
Both county prosecutors and the Hawaii Public Defender's Office urged lawmakers to reject the bill, which would have singled out a staff member at one agency.
The Hawaii Community Correctional Center in Hilo is over its capacity levels by more than 70 people. The Oversight Coordinator of the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission said the center