HI SB520

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 52D-1 to require three specific commissioners on each county police commission: the executive director or designated commissioner of the state commission on the status of women; the executive director or designated commissioner of the Hawaii civil rights commission; and an individual with prior law enforcement experience who is not concurrently serving in law enforcement.

Maintains that each county's charter shall continue to prescribe the overall composition, appointment, terms, staff, powers, duties, and functions of police commissions, with the three specified positions added as requirements.

Implements the new requirements effective July 1, 2017, applied upon each police commission's next vacancy, with the first three vacancies filled sequentially with the three required commissioner positions.

Establishes law enforcement experience requirement for one commissioner position to strengthen police commissions' ability to address misconduct and fulfill their oversight missions.

Addresses legislative findings regarding domestic violence concerns, the need for police accountability after high-profile incidents, and the value of including perspectives on women's equality and civil rights in police oversight.