H.R. 213 Summary

• Requests the Legislative Reference Bureau to conduct a study on the effects of information charging on Hawaii's criminal justice system since Act 62 (2004) was enacted.

• Directs the study to examine the number of cases initiated by information charging versus preliminary hearings and grand jury indictments, case dismissal rates, trial outcomes, and conviction rates.

• Requires the study to assess cost savings from information charging, including reductions in court costs, police overtime pay, and witness fees.

• Directs the study to review how many states currently permit information charging and gather other relevant information.

• Requires submission of findings to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2011 regular session convenes and mandates cooperation from the Judiciary, Attorney General, county prosecutors, Public Defender, and county police departments.