HI HB457

Establishes a community court outreach project in Honolulu administered by the judiciary from July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2020, to address nonviolent offenders with substance abuse and mental health issues.

Creates a mobile court system that travels to communities to hear cases involving nonviolent, nonfelony offenses where the prosecuting attorney and public defender have negotiated plea agreements.

Requires the public defender to engage social service or health care professionals to identify and provide outreach to eligible defendants who may benefit from participation in the project.

Project implementation is contingent on: sufficient funds being available, a memorandum of agreement between the chief justice and prosecuting attorney, and a memorandum of agreement between the chief justice and public defender.

Requires the chief justice to submit annual reports to the legislature and governor prior to regular sessions in 2018, 2019, and 2020, with quantified program measures, outcomes, and recommendations for potential expansion to other counties.