HI HB799

Adds new expedited proceedings requirements for criminal cases involving minors, including priority court docket placement and consideration of the child's age when deciding continuance requests.

Allows courts to impose sanctions against defense attorneys who are unprepared to commence trial without good cause.

Adds residency restrictions for covered offenders under chapter 846E, requiring them to reside no less than 500 feet from any school, child care facility, playground, or park.

Amends Hawaii Rules of Evidence to permit children under 18 to testify via two-way closed circuit video or video-conferencing technology in any prosecution where in-person testimony would cause serious emotional distress.

Takes effect upon approval and includes severability and non-retroactivity provisions.