HI SB718

Establishes a community court outreach project administered by the judiciary in Honolulu, operating as a mobile court that travels to communities to hear cases of nonviolent offenders starting July 1, 2017.

Allows the court to hear and dispose of cases involving only nonviolent, nonfelony offenses under state law and city ordinance 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, then transmit a list to the prosecuting attorney for case selection and plea negotiations.

Authorizes plea agreements that may include proposed fines, community service, court-ordered treatment, or other conditions; the court may finalize or modify the proposed disposition at the hearing.

Requires the chief justice to submit annual reports to the legislature and governor before the 2018, 2019, and 2020 legislative sessions, including program outcomes and recommendations on whether to amend, expand, or terminate the project; project operation is contingent on available funding.