HI HB2181

Requires the Hawaii Judiciary to develop and implement an automated court appearance reminder system by July 1, 2027, sending text or email notifications at least 24 hours before scheduled court dates in traffic and criminal cases across district, family, and circuit courts.

Notifications must include the person's name, case number, court date/time/location, virtual appearance link if applicable, planning recommendations (calendar, transportation, childcare), and consequences of failure to appear such as bench warrant issuance.

Participation is voluntary with opt-out available at any time; contact information collected cannot be used for law enforcement investigations or shared with third parties except as necessary for reminders.

Amends arrest and citation procedures to require officers to collect mobile phone numbers and email addresses from arrestees and offenders to the extent practicable.

Appropriates unspecified funds for fiscal year 2026-2027 to develop the system, with the judiciary required to collect and publicly report data on enrollment, opt-outs, and failure-to-appear rates.