Bill > HB1253

This bill establishes the Hawaii Opportunity Probation with Enforcement (HOPE) Program statewide, a proven probation strategy designed to reduce recidivism and support offender rehabilitation. The program will be administered by the Judiciary in consultation with public defenders and county prosecutors, focusing on holding probationers immediately accountable for violations through swift, consistent, and proportionate consequences. Key features include randomized drug testing, coordinated treatment programs, and a specialized court approach where a dedicated judge works closely with probation officers, prosecutors, and defense attorneys to help participants succeed. Participants will receive a warning hearing explaining program expectations and potential sanctions, which range from short jail stays for minor infractions (like missed appointments or positive drug tests) to potential probation revocation for more serious violations. The program targets higher-risk offenders and aims to reduce crime, mass incarceration, and support probationers in becoming law-abiding citizens by combining accountability with treatment options. Based on previous studies, the HOPE model has shown significant success, including a 55% reduction in new arrests, 72% decrease in drug use, and decreased likelihood of probation revocation among participants.

Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1253&year=2025