HI HB144

Establishes a new Office of the Sheriff within the Department of the Attorney General, comprising the sheriff, first deputy sheriff, and additional deputies as needed, with all sheriffs subject to the attorney general's supervision and control.

Transfers all functions, authority, and obligations related to service of process and execution of court orders from the Department of Public Safety to the Department of the Attorney General, effective January 1, 2012.

Grants sheriffs and deputy sheriffs all powers of police officers, including arrest authority, and requires them to execute court process and perform other duties directed by the attorney general.

Exempts the sheriff of Kalawao County from the new provisions except those related to service of process and execution of court orders.

Transfers all officers, employees, appropriations, records, equipment, and property associated with sheriff functions from the Department of Public Safety to the Department of the Attorney General, with no loss of tenure, salary, seniority, or employee benefits; effective July 1, 2011.