Issue · Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice (Policing)

Every criminal justice bill, vote, and legislator stance in Hawaii, automatically classified by Maddy, our AI policy reader.

Total bills
27
2026 Regular Session
Top supporter
David Tarnas
100% support rate
Top opponent
Diamond Garcia
0% support rate
Ranked legislators
6
5 support · 1 oppose
Key legislators

Who's moving policing in Hawaii

Legislators moving policing in Hawaii
Legislator Party Stance Support rate Votes
David Tarnas
David Tarnas House · District 8
D
Strong +
100% 5
Gregg Takayama
Gregg Takayama House · District 34
D
Strong +
100% 5
Kirstin Kahaloa
Kirstin Kahaloa House · District 6
D
Strong +
100% 5
Mahina Poepoe
Mahina Poepoe House · District 13
D
Strong +
100% 5
Mark Hashem
Mark Hashem House · District 19
D
Strong +
100% 5
Diamond Garcia
Diamond Garcia House · District 42
R
Strong −
0% 5
Showing 11–20 of 27 bills

All criminal justice bills

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 83: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION TO ESTABLISH A COORDINATED DATA ENTRY SYSTEM FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION AND COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENTS AND PROSECUTORS TO TRACK THE STATUS OF DETAINEES INCARCERATED IN DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION FACILITIES.

This Senate Resolution requests the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to create a unified data entry system that connects with county police departments and prosecutors to track detainee information. The bill aims to address current inconsistencies between state and local criminal justice data by establishing a coordinated approach similar to systems already used in housing and healthcare sectors. DCR is asked to report on the system's implementation status, estimated costs, and participation levels within 20 days before the 2027 legislative session. Certified copies of this resolution will be sent to correctional officials, county police chiefs, and prosecuting attorneys across the state.
Sub-Topics Corrections Policing
in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 70: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT TO COLLABORATE TO ESTABLISH A STATE HIGHWAY POLICE FORCE.

This Senate resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement to work together to create a state highway police force. The bill aims to improve road safety by adding a specialized enforcement unit that would supplement existing county police efforts. If established, this force would be trained to handle highway incidents, clear crash scenes quickly, and enforce traffic laws more effectively. The resolution directs these two state agencies to collaborate on the initiative, though it does not mandate funding or specific operational details.
in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 291: RELATING TO USE OF FORCE IN SELF-PROTECTION.

HB 291 clarifies situations where the use of deadly force in self-defense is not permitted. It removes the requirement for individuals to retreat or surrender property before using deadly force in response to an immediate threat. The bill directly affects people claiming self-defense in legal cases by simplifying the standard for when lethal force may be justified. This change aims to update the legal framework for self-protection without expanding or restricting existing rights.
Sub-Topics Firearms Policing
in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 26, 2026

SB 2290: RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT.

By January 1, 2027, requires each law enforcement agency operating in the State to maintain a publicly available policy on the visible identification of law enforcement officers and use of facial coverings.
passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 18, 2026

SB 3281: RELATING TO GAMBLING ENFORCEMENT.

Establishes the criminal offense of promoting an illegal electronic gambling device. Authorizes civil penalties and actions relating to premises on which an illegal electronic gambling device has been used. Allows the Attorney General, any county prosecuting attorney, any county police chief, or the Director of Law Enforcement to take certain actions against places used to commit certain offenses that qualify as a nuisance. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD1)
in committee · Hawaii · House Jan 26, 2026

HB 1746: RELATING TO FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION.

HB 1746 establishes a rapid DNA investigative lead program within the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), allowing officers to quickly test DNA evidence from crime scenes to identify suspects. The bill appropriates funding to support this program, directly affecting HPD operations and criminal investigations. Key provisions include creating a dedicated unit to process DNA samples rapidly (within hours instead of weeks) to generate investigative leads. This program aims to expedite solving violent crimes by leveraging immediate DNA analysis, with no mention of broader public impact beyond law enforcement use.
in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 569: RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Requires all department schools to offer community policing programs including DARE, LEEP, and PAL. Authorizes the department of education to work with the department of law enforcement and local police departments to implement the programs. Requires a faculty liaison.
passed both · Hawaii · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 2494: RELATING TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM.

Establishes factors under which officers may arrest and detain persons without a warrant for petty misdemeanors and violations, and requires officers to document the justification for the arrests. Amends the circumstances under which officers may issue citations in lieu of arrest. Requires officers to issue citations in lieu of arrest for certain petty misdemeanors and violations, unless public safety or flight risks are present or the alleged offense involves operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant or the abuse of family or household members. Requires the Judiciary to promulgate a standardized citation form and updates the required information for citations. Requires citations be visible on an offender's criminal record. Requires the Criminal Justice Research Institute to submit reports. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD1)
Sub-Topics Drug Policy Policing
in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 278: RELATING TO POLICING.

Requires county police departments and police oversight agencies to collect and report certain data regarding police stops, uses of force, and complaints to the Crime Prevention and Justice Assistance Division of the Department of the Attorney General. Requires the Division to collect and publish incident-level information and an annual report on the data collected. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Tags Data Reporting
Showing 11 to 20 of 27 bills