HI HR25

Request Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission to convene a task force to examine and recommend improvements to Hawaii Paroling Authority procedures for setting minimum terms of imprisonment.

Task force directed to study parole system models from other states, compare minimum sentences issued by the Paroling Authority and courts, and recommend whether setting minimum sentences should be removed from the Paroling Authority's responsibilities.

Task force comprises 14 member categories including the Chief Justice, Attorney General, Director of Public Safety, Public Defender, county prosecutors, representatives from the Hawaii Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and legislative appointees.

Hawaii Paroling Authority currently spends approximately 30 percent of its time on post-conviction minimum sentencing, and Hawaii is the only state among 33 using indeterminate sentencing that requires a parole board to determine minimum sentences.

Task force must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than October 21, 2024, with administrative support from the Judiciary and Department of Public Safety.