Bill > SB263

This bill proposes to increase compensation rates for court-appointed counsel in criminal proceedings in Hawaii by raising the hourly rate from $90 to $150 and significantly increasing the maximum allowable fees for different types of legal cases. Specifically, the bill increases maximum fees for felony cases from $6,000 to $12,000, misdemeanor jury trials from $3,000 to $6,000, misdemeanor jury-waived cases from $1,500 to $3,000, appeals from $5,000 to $9,000, petty misdemeanor cases from $900 to $1,800, and other administrative or judicial proceedings from $3,000 to $6,000. The bill also maintains a provision allowing courts to approve payments exceeding these maximums if they certify that additional compensation is necessary to provide fair payment. Additionally, the bill includes an appropriation of funds from general state revenues to support these increased compensation rates, with the changes set to take effect on April 23, 2057. The goal appears to be ensuring fair compensation for court-appointed attorneys who provide legal representation to individuals who cannot afford private counsel.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=263&year=2026