HI SR114

Urges the judiciary in judicial circuits with 500,000+ residents to return to the original HOPE (Hawaii Opportunity Probation with Enforcement) program structure by assigning one judge and one backup judge to handle all HOPE cases, rather than distributing cases among nine judges.

Requests judges follow HOPE sanctions guidelines to ensure consistency and timely case resolution, while maintaining discretion and providing encouragement to probationers.

Directs the Adult Client Services Branch to follow HOPE procedures from 2004-2020, including focusing on higher-risk offenders identified through validated risk assessment instruments and taking immediate action on violations.

Notes 2007-2008 research showing HOPE participants had significantly lower recidivism rates: 55% less likely to be arrested for new crimes, 72% less likely to test positive for drugs, and 61% less likely to miss probation appointments compared to regular probation participants.

Requires transmission of a certified copy of the resolution to the Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court.