Bill > HB675

This bill requires judges to make detailed, on-the-record findings when setting bail, addressing concerns that previous bail reform efforts have not meaningfully reduced pretrial detention. Specifically, when imposing monetary bail, judges must now explicitly document the defendant's financial ability to pay, explain how they calculated the bail amount, and justify why alternative less restrictive conditions cannot ensure the defendant's court appearance and public safety. The bill mandates that judges consider the defendant's financial circumstances, either adopting or explicitly rejecting findings from an intake service center about the defendant's ability to pay bail. If a bail amount exceeds a defendant's financial means, the judge must provide a specific explanation for why that higher amount is the lowest necessary to ensure public safety and court appearance. The legislative findings highlight that despite previous reforms in 2019 (Act 179), little has changed in judicial bail practices, with pretrial detainees continuing to make up a significant portion of incarcerated populations. By requiring judges to make comprehensive, transparent findings, the bill aims to create a fairer pretrial system and enable meaningful appellate review of bail decisions.

Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=675&year=2026