HI SB361

Permanently establishes the Community Outreach Court as a division of the District Court of the First Circuit (Oahu), which addresses nonviolent, nonfelony offenses disproportionately affecting homeless individuals through mobile court sessions held at community locations

Since its 2017 inception as a pilot project, the court has addressed over 10,000 cases, recalled over 900 bench warrants, lifted more than 7,000 driver license stoppers, and facilitated over 7,000 community service work hours

Prioritizes alternative sentencing including community service and voluntary participation in mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and housing assistance rather than fines for offenders unable to pay

Appropriates unspecified amounts from general revenues for fiscal years 2025-2027 to fund court operations including security, facilities (including Waianae public library), equipment, and transportation

Creates multiple permanent positions across agencies: 2 court clerks, 1 bailiff, 4 social workers, 2 deputy sheriffs for the judiciary; 1 deputy public defender, 1 paralegal, and 1 social service professional for the public defender's office; and 1 deputy prosecuting attorney, 1 paralegal, and 1 legal assistant for Honolulu's prosecuting attorney