HI HCR107

Requests formation of a task force to identify and recommend policies and procedures to improve the accuracy of eyewitness identifications in Hawaii criminal investigations.

Task force membership includes the Attorney General, Public Defender, all four county Chiefs of Police, all four county prosecutors, CEO of Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hawaii Innocence Project representative, two social science experts, and Executive Director of Hawaii Civil Rights Commission.

Mistaken eyewitness identification has contributed to approximately 75 percent of wrongful convictions nationally, and scientific research shows systemic changes can improve identification accuracy.

Task force must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2014 Regular Session convenes, and ceases to exist on June 30, 2014.

Certified copies to be transmitted to state and county law enforcement, prosecutors, mayors, and relevant judicial committees.