HI HB273

Establishes a new compensation statute for individuals wrongfully convicted and imprisoned in Hawaii, allowing them to seek damages beyond existing tort remedies.

Claimants must prove by preponderance of evidence they were convicted, imprisoned, and subsequently pardoned on grounds consistent with innocence or had their conviction vacated/reversed with charges dismissed or acquittal at retrial.

Awards compensation including minimum monetary damages per year of incarceration, lifetime health care through the employer-union health benefits trust fund, education/vocational training reimbursement, child support compensation, and reasonable attorneys' fees (10% of award, capped amount).

Damage awards are not subject to caps, taxes (except attorney fees portion), or treatment as gross income, and cannot be offset by state expenses for custody or incarceration costs.

Requires courts to notify eligible individuals of their rights under this chapter and establishes a three-year filing deadline from the date of pardon or judicial relief, with provisions for immediate services upon release including housing, education, transportation, and mental health care.