HI HB152

Authorizes the Director of Public Safety to release committed persons serving misdemeanor sentences before their full term expires, provided the director reasonably believes the person has no propensity to commit further crimes.

Requires that released misdemeanants must have served at least two-thirds of the maximum sentence imposed by the court under section 706-663.

Intended to reduce prison overcrowding and lower costs associated with operating Hawaii's correctional system, based on research showing early release programs do not adversely impact recidivism rates.

Effective July 1, 2011, with the early release provision set to expire and be repealed on June 30, 2014, making it a three-year pilot program.