HI SB2342

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 706-606.5(5) to add a new sentencing option for eligible repeat drug offenders.

Allows courts to sentence defendants to alternative programs under Section 706-605.1 instead of mandatory prison sentences for certain repeat drug convictions.

Restricts alternative sentencing eligibility to cases where the prior conviction did not involve serious or substantial bodily injury as defined in Chapter 707.

Requires the current offense to involve drug possession under Chapter 712 or drug paraphernalia use related to controlled substances under Chapter 329.

Mandates that defendants must be assessed by a certified substance abuse counselor as needing treatment due to dependency or abuse, and the court must determine the offense is related to the substance abuse condition.