Criminal Justice

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HCR 133: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT TO STRENGTHEN LAW ENFORCEMENT CAPACITY TO COMBAT HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND THE COMMERCIAL SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN BY STRENGTHENING STATEWIDE ENFORCEMENT INITIATIVES AND GENERATING A PLAN TO EXPAND SPECIALIZED INVESTIGATIVE PERSONNEL.

This House Concurrent Resolution urges Hawaii's Department of the Attorney General and Department of Law Enforcement to improve their ability to combat human trafficking and the commercial sexual exploitation of children. The bill requests the creation of a plan to expand specialized investigative personnel and strengthen statewide enforcement initiatives, including expanding the Operation Shine the Light program to all county police departments. It also calls for the establishment of specialized runaway youth recovery teams in each county to quickly locate missing youth who may be at risk of trafficking. Finally, the resolution asks these agencies to submit a report with staffing needs, training requirements, and funding recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens law enforcement capacity to combat human trafficking and child exploitation by expanding specialized investigative personnel and statewide enforcement initiatives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Law Enforcement Policing

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 60: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION TO PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON THE FINDINGS OF THE PROOF OF CONCEPT STUDY TITLED BREAKING CYCLES: ALTERNATIVE MODELS OF REHABILITATION AND RESTORATIVE JUSTICE ON OʻAHU.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to provide an update on the findings of a 2022 proof-of-concept study titled Breaking Cycles, which explored alternative rehabilitation and restorative justice models for the Oahu Community Correctional Center. The bill asks the department to report on how the study's recommendations have been incorporated into plans for a new correctional facility and to include feedback from incarcerated individuals, staff, families, and community stakeholders. The Department must submit this report to the Legislature at least 20 days before the 2027 Regular Session begins, with any proposed legislation included in the submission. This measure focuses on oversight and information gathering rather than implementing specific policy changes.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill requests update on restorative justice and rehabilitation models, indicating support for criminal justice reform and improved correctional approaches.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SCR 88: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION TO ESTABLISH A COORDINATED DATA ENTRY SYSTEM FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION AND COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENTS AND PROSECUTORS TO TRACK THE STATUS OF DETAINEES INCARCERATED IN DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION FACILITIES.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to create a shared data system that allows county police departments and prosecutors to track the status of detainees held in state correctional facilities. The bill aims to address current inconsistencies in how different agencies record and report information about detainees, which can hinder effective oversight and access to rehabilitative programs. If implemented, the system would require DCR to report on its progress, estimated costs, and the number of participating agencies to the Legislature by early 2027. This resolution serves as a formal request rather than a law, directing the department to study the feasibility of establishing the coordinated data entry system.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances oversight and data transparency in corrections, improving accountability and access to rehabilitative programs for incarcerated individuals.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill proposes establishing a coordinated data entry system to improve information sharing and tracking between agencies, advancing technological infrastructure for corrections and law enforcement.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Policing Probation & Parole

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 119: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT TO COLLABORATE TO ESTABLISH A STATE HIGHWAY POLICE FORCE.

This bill is a House resolution requesting the Hawaii Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement to work together to create a state highway police force. It aims to address rising traffic fatalities by supplementing county police efforts with a specialized unit trained to handle highway incidents and enforce traffic laws more effectively. The resolution does not authorize funding or mandate the creation of the force but instead asks the two departments to collaborate on establishing it.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill proposes creating a specialized highway police force to address traffic fatalities and improve law enforcement effectiveness, which aligns with strengthening criminal justice infrastructure.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill aims to enhance transportation safety by establishing a specialized highway police force to address rising traffic fatalities and improve traffic law enforcement.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Roads & Highways

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 83: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION TO ESTABLISH A COORDINATED DATA ENTRY SYSTEM FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION AND COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENTS AND PROSECUTORS TO TRACK THE STATUS OF DETAINEES INCARCERATED IN DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION FACILITIES.

This Senate Resolution requests the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to create a unified data entry system that connects with county police departments and prosecutors to track detainee information. The bill aims to address current inconsistencies between state and local criminal justice data by establishing a coordinated approach similar to systems already used in housing and healthcare sectors. DCR is asked to report on the system's implementation status, estimated costs, and participation levels within 20 days before the 2027 legislative session. Certified copies of this resolution will be sent to correctional officials, county police chiefs, and prosecuting attorneys across the state.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes criminal justice reform by improving data coordination between agencies, enhancing transparency and accountability in detainee tracking systems.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates creation of coordinated data entry system to improve tracking and data sharing between agencies, advancing technology implementation in criminal justice.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Policing

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 26: REQUESTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COURT SECURITY AND DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT CAPACITY WORKING GROUP TO ADDRESS SYSTEMIC STAFFING SHORTAGES, EXPANDED STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITIES, AND THE ESCALATING FISCAL AND ACCOUNTABILITY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH PRIVATE SECURITY CONTRACTING AT STATE COURTS.

This Senate Resolution requests the creation of a working group to study staffing shortages and security challenges at Hawaii state courts. The group would examine how the Department of Law Enforcement has expanded duties without matching increases in Deputy Sheriff positions, leading to reliance on private security contractors. The working group would include leaders from the judiciary, law enforcement, human resources, finance, and the attorney general to evaluate solutions for stabilizing public security staffing and reducing long-term costs of private contracts.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates working group to address staffing shortages and security challenges, improving court operations and law enforcement capacity.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SCR 29: REQUESTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COURT SECURITY AND DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT CAPACITY WORKING GROUP TO ADDRESS SYSTEMIC STAFFING SHORTAGES, EXPANDED STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITIES, AND THE ESCALATING FISCAL AND ACCOUNTABILITY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH PRIVATE SECURITY CONTRACTING AT STATE COURTS.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the creation of a working group to address staffing shortages and security challenges at Hawaii state courts. The bill focuses on the Department of Law Enforcement's Sheriff Division, which is responsible for securing court facilities but faces persistent vacancies and increased duties without sufficient personnel. The working group will evaluate how to realign staffing levels with expanded responsibilities, improve recruitment and retention, and reduce reliance on private security contractors. Members will include top officials from the judiciary, law enforcement, human resources, and finance to develop structural solutions for long-term fiscal stability and public accountability.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes working group to address staffing shortages and security challenges in courts, enhancing law enforcement capacity and accountability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HR 67: AFFIRMING THE LEGISLATURE'S COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC SAFETY, DUE PROCESS, AND FAIR TREATMENT FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS WITHIN HAWAII'S JUSTICE SYSTEM.

This House Resolution affirms the Hawaii legislature's commitment to public safety and fair treatment for domestic violence survivors within the state's justice system. It recommends that the Judiciary review policies related to case assignment, training, and victim notification to improve consistency and efficiency. The resolution also urges the Honolulu Office of the Prosecuting Attorney to implement reforms such as assigning experienced attorneys to domestic violence cases, requiring mandatory training for all prosecutors, and ensuring timely case assignments. Additionally, it suggests the state consider expanding victim support services including emergency funds, mental health counseling, pro bono legal services, emergency housing, and childcare assistance.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes fair treatment for domestic violence survivors and recommends judicial reforms to improve consistency and efficiency in the justice system.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Victims' Rights

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Apr 10, 2026

SCR 64: REQUESTING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO ENACT LEGISLATION TO REMOVE CANNABIS FROM THE FEDERAL CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT, PROVIDE SUPPORT TO STATES THAT ARE CLEARING DEFENDANTS' RECORDS OF CANNABIS OFFENSES, AND FACILITATE ACCESS TO THE FULL SPECTRUM OF BANKING SERVICES FOR CANNABIS-RELATED BUSINESSES.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the U.S. Congress to remove cannabis from the federal Controlled Substances Act, support states that are expunging cannabis-related criminal records, and allow cannabis businesses to access full banking services. The bill directly affects cannabis dispensaries, businesses, and individuals with past cannabis convictions in Hawaii and other states. It seeks to align federal law with state-level legalization efforts by requesting federal action rather than creating new state laws. The resolution does not change any state laws but instead asks federal lawmakers to update national policies regarding cannabis classification and financial services.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill seeks to remove cannabis from federal controlled substances, support expunging criminal records, and facilitate banking for cannabis businesses, directly advancing criminal justice reform and reducing barriers for individuals with past convic...90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SCR 191: URGING THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO TAKE ACTION TO RELEASE ALL FEDERAL RECORDS RELATED TO THE JEFFREY EPSTEIN INVESTIGATIONS WITH LIMITED REDACTIONS SOLELY TO PROTECT THE PRIVACY AND SAFETY OF VICTIMS.

This bill is a formal request from the Hawaii Senate asking the U.S. President and Congress to release all federal records related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigations, with redactions only to protect victims' privacy and safety. It directly affects federal agencies holding Epstein-related documents and calls for greater transparency in how these records are handled. The resolution criticizes current Department of Justice actions for allegedly over-redacting names of individuals involved while under-redacting victim information, and urges Congress to investigate all implicated parties. It does not create new laws but serves as an official appeal for federal officials to take specific actions regarding document disclosure and accountability.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes transparency in criminal justice investigations by requesting release of federal records with victim privacy protections, enhancing accountability in law enforcement oversight.85% confidence

Tags Government Transparency

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