HI HB1954

Permanently establishes the Community Outreach Court as a division of the District Court of the First Circuit in Hawaii.

Grants the court concurrent jurisdiction over nonviolent, non-felony criminal and traffic offenses for eligible offenders, with authority to hold sessions at designated community locations.

Directs the court to facilitate early identification of eligible offenders, foster prosecution-defense cooperation, utilize alternative sentencing including community service, provide social services referrals, and establish partnerships with public agencies and community organizations.

Repeals Act 55, Session Laws of Hawaii 2017, which previously authorized the community outreach court on a temporary basis.

Appropriates funds for fiscal year 2024-2025 to establish permanent positions across the judiciary, Department of Law Enforcement, Office of the Public Defender, and Office of the Prosecuting Attorney of Honolulu, plus operational expenses (specific dollar amounts not filled in).