HI HB805

Proposes a constitutional amendment to Article I, Section 10 of the Hawaii Constitution to eliminate prosecutors' and the attorney general's ability to initiate felony charges through filing a written information.

Removes language that currently permits prosecutors to initiate felony criminal charges by filing a signed written information in accordance with procedures and conditions provided by state legislature.

Requires felony charges to be initiated instead through grand jury presentment/indictment or upon finding of probable cause after a preliminary hearing.

Ballot question asks voters whether Hawaii's constitution should be amended to no longer permit felony charges to be initiated by prosecutors through signed written information.

Amendment becomes effective upon compliance with Article XVII, Section 3 of the Hawaii Constitution (standard constitutional amendment ratification process).