HI HB401

Creates a task force attached to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to develop policies and procedures reducing disparate treatment in Hawaii's criminal justice system, with particular focus on Native Hawaiians.

Task force shall recommend cost-effective mechanisms, legislation, and policies to reduce unnecessary involvement with the criminal justice system, including converting low-level crimes to civil violations, expanding deferred pleas with treatment conditions, increasing pretrial release options, and implementing trauma-informed services.

Task force consists of six members: state attorney general, director of public safety, CEO of Office of Hawaiian Affairs, a county police chief, administrator of adult client services for first circuit court, and one circuit court judge selected by the Hawaii Supreme Court chief justice.

Task force shall submit a final report to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2013 regular session convening and shall cease to exist on August 1, 2013.

Appropriates funds from general revenues for fiscal years 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 for task force establishment and administration through the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.