A Hilo-based social welfare organization is inviting U.S. Attorney General Eric Hol­der to Hawaii to investigate why so many Native Hawaiians are in prison.

Palikapu Dedman, president of Ohana Hoo­pa­kele, said, "I think maybe (the state) needs some federal attention or some interest from the feds to look into this problem."

The group held a news conference Friday on the steps of the Prince Kuhio Federal Building.

According to federal census data, Native Hawaiians make up 24 percent of the state’s population, but state statistics say they make up 41 percent of Hawaii’s prison inmates. Ohana Hoo­pa­kele said it believes Native Hawaiians make up a higher percentage of inmates.

A report released by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs in 2010 says Native Hawaiians convicted of crimes are more likely to get sentenced to prison than other ethnic groups and get longer prison terms.

Ohana Hoopakele says there should be an alternative to prison and wants the state to turn the former Kulani Correctional Facility in Hilo into a puu­ho­nua, or place of healing.

"That’s what we need to do, a modern place of healing. Prison is based on a philosophy of punishment. People don’t need punishment; they need healing," said Ronald Fuji­yo­shi, Ohana Hoo­pa­kele treasurer.

The state Department of Public Safety says it is on track to reopen Kulani by July. Spokes­woman Toni Schwartz said department Director Ted Sakai continues to maintain that the facility will incorporate Hawaiian cultural programs and work with community groups to support programs outside the facility based on Native Hawaiian cultural concepts of wellness.