HI SR135

Requests that judges accept, receive, and consider written statements from victims or their immediate family members regarding felony crimes before ruling on plea-bargain agreements.

Requests that prosecuting attorneys' offices offer victims or immediate family members the choice to provide written statements to judges when plea-bargains are being negotiated.

Directs certified copies of the resolution to be sent to the Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court and prosecuting attorneys for all four counties (Honolulu, Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai).

Grounds the request in Hawaii's existing victim rights framework established since 1988, which already provides victims opportunities to be heard regarding parole and release eligibility.