Two state House committees moved out a bill yesterday that would study a new minimum-security prison but deleted references to locating the prison at Kalaeloa and $4 million for planning, design and construction.

State Rep. Pono Chong, D-49th (Kane'ohe, Maunawili, Enchanted Lake), said he would ask lawmakers to again consider putting the prison at Kalaeloa if the bill is heard before the House Finance Committee.

The Hawai'i Community Development Authority, which controls the land at Kalaeloa, is against a new prison. The authority has cited past community opposition to a prison and hopes that the region will become a mixed-use development compatible with growing Kapolei.

The House Public Safety and Military Affairs Committee and the House Water, Land Use and Ocean Resources Committee approved the bill yesterday with the revisions. The bill would also require all state inmates to participate in facility programs unless they have medical or mental health problems.