Governor Green signed three bills into law in support of the Hawai‘i State Judiciary.
The signed legislation includes the Judiciary’s budget bill, which appropriates funds to meet the resource needs — ensuring that the courts function efficiently and continue to serve the people of our state at a time when demand for judicial services is increasing. Additional measures support initiatives aimed at bridging gaps in the justice system, particularly for nonviolent offenders who are disproportionately affected and face a higher risk of recidivism due to their circumstances.
HB 400: RELATING TO THE JUDICIARY
House Bill 400, Act 227, appropriates $214 million for fiscal year 2026 and $212 million for fiscal year 2027 for the Judiciary’s operating budget. The funds established in this bill will support operating costs and new permanent staff positions, including an additional District Court Judge and support staff in Kona. The bill also funds the permanent establishment of three specialty courts on O‘ahu: Women’s Court, Driving While Impaired Court, and Truancy Court and Early Education Intervention Court, as well as essential support for cybersecurity and technology costs across the judiciary.
Additional funds are appropriated in the budget for the planning and design of a new South Kohala District Courthouse to improve access to judicial services for residents on the Hawaiʻi island.
HB 727: RELATING TO THE WOMEN’S COURT
In response to the increasing number of women in the criminal justice system, a need arose to assist nonviolent women in the criminal justice system by providing resources and guidance to those who have suffered abuse, trauma, poverty, substance-use disorders and mental illness. From Session Laws of Hawai‘i 2022, Act 243 established Mohala Wahine, a three-year pilot program that offers women at high risk of recidivism access to critical resources such as substance abuse treatment, housing assistance, and therapy, while helping nurture and educate participants throughout the program.
HB 727, now Act 228, makes the Mohala Wahine pilot program permanent in the First Circuit Court of O‘ahu, continuing its work supporting the most vulnerable women. To further expand access to trauma-informed, evidence-based practices, HB 727 additionally establishes a two-year Women’s Court pilot program in the Third Circuit Court in Kona. This new program addresses a critical need for community-based services on Hawai‘i Island and offers the same supportive services established under Mohala Wahine. This measure appropriates $514,900 for fiscal year 2026 and $557,000 for fiscal year 2027.
