Bill > HB727

This bill permanently establishes the Women's Court Program in Hawaii's First Circuit and creates a two-year Women's Court Pilot Program in the Kona division of the Third Circuit, addressing the unique challenges faced by women in the criminal justice system. The legislation recognizes that women offenders often have complex backgrounds involving trauma, abuse, poverty, mental health issues, and substance use disorders, and aims to provide comprehensive support to help them successfully reintegrate into the community. The programs will offer a range of services including trauma and mental health treatment, family support, life-skills training, education and vocational training, domestic violence prevention, medical services, substance abuse treatment, mentoring, and housing support. The judiciary is required to submit detailed reports about the pilot program's progress and effectiveness before the 2026 and 2027 legislative sessions, with recommendations on whether to continue, expand, or discontinue the program. The bill appropriates $514,900 for fiscal year 2025-2026 and $557,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027 to fund mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and establish a temporary full-time probation supervisor position. The Kona division's pilot program is set to expire on June 30, 2027, while the First Circuit's program will be permanently established.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=727&year=2025