Bill > HB278

This bill requires county police departments and police oversight agencies to collect and report comprehensive data about police interactions, specifically focusing on police stops, uses of force, and complaints. Starting January 1, 2027, each county police chief must submit an annual report to the Crime Prevention and Justice Assistance Division (CPJAD) of the state Attorney General's office, detailing every police stop, use of force incident, and complaint received during the previous calendar year. The reports must include detailed information such as the demographics of people involved, reasons for stops or force, search and arrest details, and officer information, while carefully protecting personally identifiable information. The CPJAD is mandated to make this incident-level information publicly available on their website annually and publish a comprehensive report with visual representations of trends. The bill aims to increase transparency, accountability, and public trust in law enforcement by providing a systematic approach to tracking and analyzing police interactions. Additionally, the bill establishes enforcement mechanisms, including the ability for the CPJAD to investigate non-compliance and for residents to bring civil actions to ensure agencies adhere to the reporting requirements.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=278&year=2026