H.B. 2638 Summary

• Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 806 to require expedited proceedings in all criminal cases involving abuse of minors or cases with minor victims or witnesses

• Mandates that courts set cases for priority docket placement and prosecution take appropriate action to ensure prompt trials to minimize stress on minor victims and witnesses

• Limits continuances to no more than three per party unless good cause is shown, with trials required to commence within 12 months of charge or indictment unless good cause is demonstrated

• Authorizes courts to impose sanctions against defense attorneys who are unprepared to commence trial without good cause

• Takes effect upon approval