HI SB701

Amends section 706-606.5 of Hawaii Revised Statutes to restructure sentencing options for repeat offenders.

Allows courts to impose sentences consecutive to prior convictions but concurrent to the instant conviction, or impose lesser mandatory minimum sentences with written justification when strong mitigating circumstances exist.

Permits sentencing to alternative programs under section 706-605.1 for non-violent repeat offenders convicted of drug possession or drug paraphernalia use, provided the prior conviction did not involve serious or substantial bodily injury.

Requires defendants sentenced under the alternative program option to be assessed by a certified substance abuse counselor as needing treatment for dependency or abuse, and requires the court to determine the offense is related to the defendant's substance abuse.

Takes effect upon approval.