HI SCR89

Urges the Judiciary to partner with supporting agencies and request grant funds under the Victims of Crime Act to establish restorative justice programs in each Hawaii county.

Authorizes restorative justice participation for victims and offenders at any level of the criminal justice process, from initial police encounter through post-conviction, contingent on offender admission and willing participation from both parties.

Cites studies showing restorative justice reduces crime and repeat offenses, lowers criminal justice costs, increases victim healing, reduces court backlogs, and provides greater satisfaction than traditional criminal justice.

References existing successful pilot programs including Pono Kaulike on Oahu and the Restorative Justice Program of the Hawaii County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.

Requires certified copies of the resolution to be transmitted to the Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court and each county prosecutor.