Criminal Justice

passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 84: REQUESTING THE HAWAII CORRECTIONAL SYSTEM OVERSIGHT COMMISSION TO ESTABLISH AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO DEVELOP RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ALTERNATIVE MODELS FOR REHABILITATION AND RESTORATIVE JUSTICE ON OʻAHU.

This Senate Resolution requests the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission to form an advisory committee to develop recommendations for implementing alternative rehabilitation and restorative justice models at a new jail on Oʻahu. The proposed committee would include representatives from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, community organizations, Native Hawaiian health providers, and local stakeholders to guide the planning of the new facility. The resolution directs the committee to incorporate findings from a 2022-2024 study that emphasizes culturally grounded, trauma-informed approaches rooted in Native Hawaiian practices. The advisory committee is specifically asked to consider how the new jail can integrate traditional cultural elements, community engagement, and restorative justice principles in its design and operations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes restorative justice and rehabilitation models in corrections, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to improve rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SCR 144: URGING THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE TO RESTORE THE PRIOR FORMAT, ORGANIZATION, AND SUBSTANTIVE COMPLETENESS OF THE COUNTRY REPORTS ON HUMAN RIGHTS PRACTICES.

This resolution urges the U.S. Department of State to restore the previous format and content of its annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. The bill directly affects the State Department by requesting it to reinstate detailed reporting on specific human rights issues such as prison conditions, corruption, and restrictions on freedom of assembly. It calls for the reports to return to their prior comprehensive style, which historically included thorough documentation of abuses by foreign governments. The resolution does not have legal force but serves as an official expression of concern from the Hawaii legislature regarding changes made to these reports in 2025.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill advocates for comprehensive human rights reporting including prison conditions and civil liberties, which strengthens oversight and accountability in criminal justice systems.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 70: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT TO COLLABORATE TO ESTABLISH A STATE HIGHWAY POLICE FORCE.

This Senate resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement to work together to create a state highway police force. The bill aims to improve road safety by adding a specialized enforcement unit that would supplement existing county police efforts. If established, this force would be trained to handle highway incidents, clear crash scenes quickly, and enforce traffic laws more effectively. The resolution directs these two state agencies to collaborate on the initiative, though it does not mandate funding or specific operational details.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes specialized highway police force to improve road safety and traffic law enforcement, strengthening law enforcement capabilities within criminal justice system.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill creates state highway police force to improve road safety and traffic law enforcement, directly advancing transportation safety.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 138: URGING THE PROHIBITION OF THE USE OF "EXCITED DELIRIUM", OR SIMILAR PSEUDOSCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS, AS A MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS, CAUSE OF DEATH, OR LEGAL THEORY IN THE STATE OF HAWAII.

This bill is a House Resolution that urges Hawaii state and local officials to stop using "excited delirium" as a medical diagnosis, cause of death, or legal theory. It directly affects law enforcement agencies, medical professionals, courts, and county governments across Hawaii by calling for the prohibition of this term in official records and legal proceedings. The resolution states that "excited delirium" is not recognized by major medical organizations or included in standard diagnostic manuals, and it requests that medical and legal decisions instead rely on scientifically validated principles. Named the Haleck Resolution in memory of a veteran who died during a law enforcement encounter, it asks county mayors and council chairs to adopt this guidance to ensure accountability and accurate reporting.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill opposes pseudoscientific use of 'excited delirium' in law enforcement, promoting accountability and protecting civil rights in criminal justice system.92% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill opposes pseudoscientific medical diagnosis 'excited delirium' to protect patient rights and ensure accurate medical documentation in healthcare and legal contexts.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HCR 138: REQUESTING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS 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 bill asks the U.S. Congress to remove cannabis from the federal Controlled Substances Act, help states clear criminal records for past cannabis offenses, and allow cannabis businesses to access full banking services. It directly affects cannabis dispensaries, related businesses, and individuals with prior cannabis-related arrests in Hawaii and other states. The resolution requests federal policy changes to align with state laws where cannabis is legal, addressing issues like federal seizure risks and employment barriers caused by criminal records. It does not change state laws but seeks federal action to support existing state-level cannabis regulations.

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

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 89: REQUESTING THE HAWAII CORRECTIONAL SYSTEM OVERSIGHT COMMISSION TO ESTABLISH AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO DEVELOP RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ALTERNATIVE MODELS FOR REHABILITATION AND RESTORATIVE JUSTICE ON OʻAHU.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission to create an advisory committee focused on developing recommendations for alternative rehabilitation and restorative justice models on Oʻahu. The bill builds on existing research from the Breaking Cycles Study, which examined trauma-informed design, cultural integration, and community-based approaches to incarceration reform. The proposed advisory committee would explore how to implement these alternative models, particularly considering the unique cultural and environmental context of the Halawa site for a new correctional facility. This resolution does not mandate specific actions but asks the oversight commission to form a committee to study and propose ways to incorporate restorative justice principles into the state's correctional system.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes rehabilitation and restorative justice models, which aligns with criminal justice reform goals by improving correctional approaches and reducing recidivism.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 113: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY AND DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT TO INCREASE PENALTIES AND ENFORCEMENT MECHANISMS FOR DOG ATTACKS ON LIVESTOCK.

This Senate Resolution asks the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Department of Law Enforcement to strengthen penalties and enforcement actions against dog attacks on livestock. It directly affects farmers and ranchers who raise animals in Hawaii, aiming to address financial losses from uncontrolled dogs harming their herds. The resolution does not change laws directly but formally requests state agencies to review and enhance their existing measures for protecting livestock from dog attacks. It highlights the economic importance of livestock production and the severe impacts of dog attacks on producers. The document is a formal request rather than a law, so it has no immediate legal effect pending agency response.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill requests increased penalties and enforcement for dog attacks on livestock, strengthening law enforcement response to property crimes affecting farmers.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Tags Agriculture

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passed both · Hawaii · House May 8, 2026

HCR 32: REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR'S SENIOR ADVISOR FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND THE JUSTICE SYSTEM TO FORMULATE A PLAN TO CREATE PLACES OF SHELTER FOR PERSONS UNDER CIVIL COMMITMENT AND FOR PERSONS WHO HAVE BEEN RECENTLY RELEASED FROM THE HAWAII STATE HOSPITAL AND ARE AT RISK OF RECIDIVISM.

This bill requests the Governor's Senior Advisor for Mental Health and the Justice System to develop a plan for increasing access to the Hawaii State Hospital for mentally ill criminal defendants and individuals recently released from the hospital who are at risk of returning to the justice system. The resolution addresses concerns that the hospital is currently at full capacity and that existing diversion programs have not effectively reduced the jail population due to a lack of coordination between state agencies. The plan must identify suitable placements for people in civil commitment or those being evaluated for fitness to stand trial, with a report and any proposed legislation due to the Legislature before the start of the 2027 session.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill seeks to improve access to mental health treatment for criminal defendants, reducing recidivism and strengthening rehabilitation programs within the justice system.92% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill seeks to increase access to mental health services at Hawaii State Hospital for criminal defendants, addressing capacity issues and improving care coordination.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Hospitals Mental Health

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HR 41: 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 is a non-binding House resolution from the State of Hawaii that urges the President and U.S. Congress to release all federal records related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigations. The document calls for releasing these documents with redactions limited only to protecting the privacy and safety of victims, arguing that current releases have improperly exposed victim identities while hiding information about other individuals involved. It also requests that Congress investigate and compel testimony from all individuals implicated in the Epstein case. Because this is a state-level resolution rather than federal legislation, it does not create new laws or directly affect any specific group beyond expressing the state legislature's position on federal actions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes transparency in criminal justice investigations and protects victim privacy while seeking accountability in Epstein case75% confidence

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HR 130: REQUESTING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS 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 House resolution from Hawaii asks the U.S. Congress to remove cannabis from the federal Controlled Substances Act, which currently classifies it as an illegal drug nationwide. The bill also requests federal support for states that are expunging or sealing criminal records for past cannabis offenses and seeks to allow cannabis-related businesses to access full banking services, including deposit insurance. While the resolution does not directly change federal law, it formally urges federal lawmakers to consider these policy changes to align federal rules with state legalization efforts in many parts of the country.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill seeks to decriminalize cannabis, expunge records, and support reform, directly advancing criminal justice reform and protecting civil rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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