HONOLULU (AP) - The Hawaii Supreme Court heard arguments over whether to allow some inmates in the state’s prison and jail systems to be released to prevent further spread of the coronavirus.
The arguments come after a coronavirus outbreak occurred at the Oahu Community Correctional Center.
The state Department of Public Safety said Friday 124 OCCC inmates had confirmed positive cases of the coronavirus, a 38 case jump from figures disclosed on Thursday. There are currently 968 inmates at the jail, with roughly 12.5% testing positive. Inmates in more than 16 of the 19 living areas have yet to be tested.
“We expect a significant number more as we mass test the remainder of the 17 living units at OCCC,” Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda told justices at a hearing Friday.
The public safety department also reported that 23 staffers had tested positive.
The court was hearing arguments on a petition filed by the Office of the Public Defender to release prisoners.
Public Defender Susan Arnett argued for the court to release minor offenders and those who are at high risk, such as those over 65, those who are pregnant and those who have pre-existing health conditions.
The Supreme Court had passed a similar program in April which allowed prisoners to petition for release, but the program was discontinued in June after cases on the islands dropped.
The petition specifically prevents the potential release of inmates who have been charged with crimes such as domestic abuse, violent offenses, sexual offenses or robbery or burglary higher than the second degree.
The state argues that it cannot afford to release potentially infected people into the community.
Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald said that the court would arrive at a decision soon because of the severity of the situation.
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