This bill clarifies that individuals arrested for or charged with a crime but later convicted only of a violation are eligible to have their arrest records expunged. It amends state statutes to explicitly define a violation as an offense that is not a crime, ensuring these individuals can remove arrest records that might otherwise hinder their housing or employment opportunities. The law also outlines specific conditions under which expungement orders cannot be issued, such as when a conviction was not obtained due to bail forfeiture or if the person was involuntarily hospitalized. Additionally, eligible individuals may request the return of fingerprints and photographs taken during their arrest, provided they do not have a criminal conviction record or are fugitives.
This bill, signed into law by Governor Josh Green on June 25, 2026, implements recommendations from an advisory committee to revise the Hawaii Penal Code. The legislation primarily affects the state's criminal justice system by updating how crimes are classified and establishing specific time limits for filing prosecutions. Key changes include defining felonies based on potential prison sentences exceeding one year and setting new statutes of limitations, such as a ten-year window for manslaughter cases and a three-year window for most other felonies. These adjustments aim to ensure consistency, proportionality, and alignment with evidence-based strategies in sentencing and legal proceedings.
This bill, signed into law by the Governor on June 24, 2026, establishes a schedule for increasing the amount public employers must contribute to the Employees' Retirement System. It specifically raises the contribution rates for police, firefighters, and corrections officers from 41% to 44% of their compensation, while keeping the rate for all other employees at 24%. These changes are designed to gradually pay down the unfunded liability of the retirement plan over time. The new rates apply to fiscal years beginning in 2026 and continuing indefinitely.
This bill, known as Act 060, amends the Hawaii Revised Statutes to change where the budget for the State Fire Council is allocated. Specifically, it moves the funding for the council's meetings and the salaries of its administrator and administrative assistant from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to the Department of Law Enforcement. The change takes effect immediately upon the bill's approval by the Governor on May 29, 2026. This legislative update directly affects the administrative structure and budgeting process for the State Fire Council within the state government.
This bill, signed into law on May 19, 2026, updates Hawaii's procedures for administrative driver's license revocations to ensure individuals receive clearer information and timely hearings. It requires the state to mail a detailed notice explaining the reasons for revocation, how to request a hearing, and the specific deadlines for doing so, which differ based on whether the offense involves alcohol or drugs. The law also mandates that hearings be held within twenty-five days for alcohol-related cases or thirty-nine days for drug-related cases, while allowing these proceedings to be conducted via interactive conference technology. Additionally, the bill clarifies that a temporary permit will not be extended if a person fails to request a hearing within the initial six-day window and requires those with valid licenses at the time of arrest to obtain an ignition interlock permit during the revocation period.
This bill establishes a fixed sixty-day deadline for the Hawaii Supreme Court to decide whether to accept or reject applications for a writ of certiorari, replacing the current system where deadlines vary based on when parties file responses. The change directly affects the state's highest court by removing the need for staff to constantly adjust case timelines based on individual filing dates. By setting a uniform timeframe, the legislation aims to improve judicial efficiency and allow court resources to focus on reviewing legal issues rather than managing procedural deadlines. Additionally, the bill clarifies the timeline for filing initial applications and responses while maintaining provisions for limited extensions.
This bill removes the $600,000 annual spending limit on the special fund that supports Hawaii's automated victim information and notification system. The change directly affects the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, allowing the agency to use available funds to cover rising costs for salaries, contracts, and operational expenses without a statutory cap. By repealing the expenditure ceiling, the legislation ensures the system can continue providing real-time updates to crime victims regarding offender custody changes and parole hearings. The special fund itself is financed by surcharges on inmate commissary purchases and revenues from inmate telephone services.
This bill amends Hawaii's laws regarding uncrewed aircraft, or drones, to clarify who is exempt from certain offenses and to define specific criminal acts involving their misuse. It exempts law enforcement, fire personnel, and other government workers from liability when operating drones as part of their official duties. The legislation also establishes new third-degree offenses for actions such as tampering with a drone's identification, obstructing emergency responders, causing bodily injury or property damage over $750, flying while intoxicated, or operating without a valid license. Additionally, it specifies that using a drone to commit a felony is punishable as a separate crime that can be sentenced alongside the underlying felony.
This bill directs the Hawaii Department of Human Services to implement a new process that allows people currently in prison or jail to apply for food assistance before they are released. The state is required to work with correctional facilities to help these individuals complete applications so that benefits can start immediately upon their return to the community. Additionally, the law removes the existing restriction that barred people convicted of drug-related felonies from receiving these benefits unless they had completed a treatment program. By eliminating this barrier and establishing a pre-release application system, the bill aims to improve food security for formerly incarcerated individuals without changing any other aspects of the program.
This bill, signed into law by the Governor of Hawaii on April 28, 2026, modifies state statutes regarding domestic abuse orders for protection. It allows courts to keep petition records confidential from the public upon request by the accused or the person being restrained, provided that law enforcement officers can still access these records without needing a separate court order. The changes apply to both temporary restraining orders and extended protective orders when they are denied by a judge. This legislation aims to balance privacy concerns with the need for law enforcement to have access to relevant case information.
