Bill > HCR193

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 resolution highlights that the Department of Law Enforcement (DLE), which is responsible for securing state court facilities, transporting individuals in custody, and other public safety duties, has seen its responsibilities expand without a corresponding increase in Deputy Sheriff positions. This has led to persistent staffing shortages, reliance on mandatory overtime, and a strain on the Hawaii State Judiciary's ability to provide consistent security, resulting in increased spending on private security contractors. The resolution expresses concern that this reliance on private security creates fiscal and accountability risks, as these contractors are not held to the same public standards as sworn officers. The proposed working group, composed of representatives from the judiciary, DLE, human resources, finance, the Attorney General's office, and labor unions, will evaluate these issues and recommend solutions to realign staffing with responsibilities, improve recruitment and retention of Deputy Sheriffs, and reduce long-term dependence on private security. The group is tasked with reviewing mission scope, facility security needs, workforce stabilization, private contracting costs, accountability concerns, and developing preliminary recommendations, with a final report due to the Legislature before the 2027 session.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HCR&billnumber=193&year=2026