HB 758 Summary

• Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 621-7 to establish separate fee provisions for expert witnesses in criminal cases, distinct from regular witness fees.

• Expert witnesses are entitled to reasonable applicable fees for testimony, consultation, preparation, and court attendance in addition to travel and per diem expenses.

• Expert witnesses traveling from outside Hawaii receive actual round-trip airfare plus $200 per twenty-four-hour day; those from other islands receive actual round-trip airfare plus $55 per day, or an additional $145 per day if overnight stay is required.

• Defines "expert witness" as any witness subpoenaed by the State or at State expense in a criminal case who possesses specialized knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education to assist a court or jury in understanding evidence or determining facts in the case.

• Act takes effect upon approval.