Informing the Legislature that on June 26, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB280 HD3 SD1 CD1 (ACT 229).

This bill (HB280) permanently establishes a Community Outreach Court as a division of Hawaii's District Court of the First Circuit. It directly affects homeless individuals in Honolulu facing nonviolent, nonfelony charges like public drinking or trespassing, who often miss court due to unstable housing. The court holds sessions in community locations (e.g., shelters or parks) to resolve cases, lift bench warrants, and connect participants with services like mental health care, substance abuse treatment, or housing assistance instead of imposing fines. It builds on a successful 2017 pilot project that resolved over 10,000 cases and 7,000+ community service hours. The law appropriates funds to make this outreach model permanent.