Bill > HB580

This bill amends Hawaii's drug laws to establish more stringent mandatory minimum prison sentences for individuals convicted of promoting dangerous drugs in the third degree, specifically when the drugs involved are methamphetamine or fentanyl. Under the new provisions, first-time offenders will face a mandatory minimum imprisonment of one to two years. For individuals with one prior conviction related to methamphetamine or fentanyl, the mandatory minimum increases to two to four years. Those with two prior convictions will face a mandatory minimum of five to eight years, and individuals with three or more prior convictions will receive a mandatory minimum of ten years in prison. These mandatory minimums apply to convictions involving possession of these specific drugs or related drug promotion offenses, overriding previous sentencing guidelines. The bill aims to create a progressive sentencing structure that imposes increasingly severe penalties for repeated drug-related offenses involving methamphetamine and fentanyl, with the apparent goal of deterring repeat drug offenses and providing more consistent punishments for dangerous drug-related crimes.

Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=580&year=2026