Barriers to Compassionate Release for Hawai’i Prisoners with Medical Needs

Christian Alameda, an inmate at Halawa Correctional Facility in Honolulu, struggles to regain mobility after a stroke left him partially paralyzed. Despite being granted compassionate release due to severe medical needs, the absence of a long-term care facility willing to accept him keeps him in prison. Alameda’s situation highlights a widespread issue: many prisoners like him are unable to leave correctional facilities because care centers refuse individuals with criminal records.

Hawai’i’s parole board approved compassionate release for Alameda in February, allowing for early probation so he could seek medical treatment. Yet, by June, other prisoners with compassionate release approvals remained in the infirmary for similar reasons. Nationwide, long-term care facilities frequently reject such individuals due to perceived risks and safety concerns.

“This is a challenge across the country,” said Molly Crane, an advocate for fair prison policies with FAMM.

Hawai’i relies on an internal policy for compassionate release, lacking a formal law. Typically, prisoners eligible for this are those unable to care for themselves or suffering from terminal illnesses, necessitating assisted living or hospice care. However, reluctance from care centers to accept former inmates prolongs their incarceration. For instance, in Colorado, inmates waited an average of 200 days post-parole due to care center refusals.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed by President Donald Trump, compels facilities to prioritize timely Medicaid applications. It reduces retroactive reimbursement periods for new Medicaid patients, which strains care providers’ financial viability.

“Risk is just too high,” commented Sean Sanada of Hawai’i Health Systems Corp., noting concerns over staff safety and resource adequacy.

Long-term care facilities’ lengthy waiting lists exacerbate difficulties in placing parolees. Consequentially, taxpayers bear higher costs; caring for imprisoned individuals with complex needs greatly exceeds average prison costs compared to long-term care Medicaid reimbursements.

Some states, such as Connecticut and Georgia, contract with nursing homes for prisoners granted compassionate release. In Hawai’i, the parole board and correctional department struggle to find care placements. Often, family intervention is crucial.

Corey Reincke of the Hawai’i Paroling Authority noted, “Parole has to find a facility that can meet their medical needs and is also willing to take them.” Despite efforts to contact numerous homes, safety concerns prevail, rejecting applicants.

Family connections sometimes facilitate compassionate release. Paul Kupihea, a recent case, passed away shortly after release to his family due to an untreatable cancer diagnosis. His family discovered the severity of his condition too late to alter his care plan.

FAMM’s Molly Crane emphasizes the need for broader compassionate release laws. While legislative attempts in Hawai’i persist, procedural clarity and qualifying criteria remain elusive.

Meanwhile, advocates like Bob Merce attempt placements for individuals like Alameda, convicted of nonviolent crimes. Merce reflects, “The ones that stick with me…are the ones that I never found placements for.”

The challenges faced by inmates awaiting compassionate release underscore the necessity for a systematic approach to ensure timely and adequate medical assistance beyond prison walls.