Bill > HB580

This bill amends Hawaii's drug laws to establish mandatory minimum prison sentences specifically for offenses involving methamphetamine or fentanyl, creating a progressive sentencing structure based on the number of prior drug convictions. Under the new provisions, first-time offenders convicted of possessing methamphetamine or fentanyl would face a mandatory minimum of one to two years in prison. For individuals with one prior conviction related to these specific drugs, the mandatory minimum increases to two to four years. Those with two prior convictions would face five to eight years, and individuals with three or more prior convictions would receive a mandatory minimum of ten years in prison. These mandatory minimums apply regardless of previous sentencing guidelines, representing a significant change in how drug possession offenses are prosecuted in Hawaii. The bill aims to create stricter penalties for repeated drug offenses involving these particularly dangerous substances, with the goal of deterring drug possession and trafficking.

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https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=580&year=2025