Bill > SCR29

This concurrent resolution requests the establishment of a Court Security and Department of Law Enforcement Capacity Working Group to address significant issues within the state's law enforcement and court security systems. The group is tasked with finding solutions to systemic staffing shortages within the Department of Law Enforcement (DLE), which has seen its responsibilities expand without a corresponding increase in Deputy Sheriff positions. These shortages have led to the Hawaii State Judiciary relying more heavily on private security contractors, resulting in escalating costs and concerns about accountability, transparency, and the long-term erosion of public sector capacity. The working group, composed of representatives from the Judiciary, DLE, Human Resources, Finance, the Attorney General's office, and labor unions, will examine mission scope, staffing needs, recruitment and retention challenges, private contracting costs, and accountability risks, ultimately aiming to recommend structural changes to stabilize the Deputy Sheriff workforce and reduce dependence on private security. The group is expected to report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027, with the Hawaii State Judiciary providing administrative support.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SCR&billnumber=29&year=2026