HB 218 Summary

• Grants circuit courts discretion to impose sentences on minors convicted of non-violent criminal offenses that are up to 50 percent shorter than mandatory minimums, with incarceration periods not less than half the otherwise required minimum.

• Allows circuit courts to decline imposing mandatory sentencing enhancements when sentencing minors to periods of incarceration of five years or more.

• Requires circuit courts to consider differences between minor and adult offenders, including minors' diminished culpability and typical characteristics of youth, when sentencing minors tried in circuit court after family court waiver.

• Applies only to minors whose cases have been waived from family court to circuit court pursuant to section 571-22 of Hawaii law.

• Takes effect January 1, 2059.