Hawaii’s governor signs legislation to bolster judiciary
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Hawaii’s governor signed new legislation in support of the state judiciary into law Thursday.
The governor’s office said that the bills fund the judiciary for the next two years and ensure it has the resources to fulfill its mission.
House Bill 400, Act 227, appropriates $214 million for fiscal year 2026 and $212 million for fiscal year 2027.
The funding includes a new district court judge and support staff in Kona, and funds the permanent establishment of three specialty courts on Oahu: Women’s Court, Driving While Impaired Court, and Truancy Court and Early Education Intervention Court."
“By expanding key programs like the Adult Client Services Branch, Community Outreach Court, and Women’s Court, we are building a more effective justice system that helps keep our communities in Hawaii safer and stronger,” said Senate Judiciary Committee chair Karl Rhoads.
House Bill 727, Act 228, builds off the Mohala Wahine pilot program from 2022 and expands access to trauma-informed, evidence-based practices.
The Women’s Court recently celebrated its first six graduates at a special ceremony at the Hawaii Supreme Court. The court aims to help individuals who have been touched by the criminal justice system turn their lives around with drug abuse treatment, counseling, and help to find stable housing and employment.
Act 228 also establishes a two-year Women’s Court pilot program in the Third Circuit Court in Kona.
“Many of these women are mothers and caregivers, and with personalized, supportive care focused on healing rather than punishment, we can help them rehabilitate,” said Rep. Mahina Poepoe. “Expanding this program to Hawaii Island will strengthen families and communities across our state.”
“We have a long-term goal of incarcerating far fewer people and helping many more people get access to health care and some form of healing as they come through their challenges,” Green said.
In support of the judiciary, Green also signed:
- HB 280, Act 229, relates to the community outreach court.
- HB 398, Act 230, relates to compensation for court-appointed representation.
- HB 399, Act 231, and HB 401, Act 232, relate to district court judges.
- Senate Bill 304, Act 233, relates to the judiciary.
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