HI HCR23

Requests the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission to establish a task force examining procedures by the Hawaii Paroling Authority for setting minimum prison terms.

Identifies that Hawaii is the only state among 33 using indeterminate sentencing that requires a parole board to determine minimum sentences, which consumes approximately 30% of the parole board's time.

Task force directed to study parole system models from other states, compare minimum sentences issued by the parole authority versus courts, and recommend whether minimum sentencing responsibility should be removed from the parole board.

Task force composition includes 15 members representing the judiciary, executive agencies, legislature, prosecutors, public defenders, crime victim advocates, criminal defense lawyers, and crime victims with relevant expertise.

Task force must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the legislature no later than October 21, 2024, with draft legislation submitted to the Legislative Reference Bureau by August 1, 2024.