HI HR66

Requests the Judiciary to study the feasibility of opening Community Outreach Courts in the Puna and Kau districts of the island of Hawaii.

Cites the success of Honolulu's Community Outreach Court, which in its first year assisted 57 homeless defendants, resolved 601 cases involving low-level nonviolent offenses, and provided community service hours, housing assistance, employment help, and substance abuse treatment.

Notes that Puna residents currently must travel two hours to the Hilo courthouse after the Puna courthouse closed in August 2009, and Kau residents must travel to Kona District Court after the Kau District Court moved in October 2010.

Requires the Judiciary to submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the 2021 Regular Session.

Directs transmittal of a certified copy of the resolution to the Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court.