HONOLULU – Governor Josh Green, M.D., today signed three significant bills into law, reinforcing the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary’s commitment to fair and effective justice, promoting rehabilitation, and reducing recidivism across the state.
“This is a proud moment. Signing these bills demonstrates the power of collaboration between all branches of government to advance legislation that strengthens Hawaiʻi’s judiciary and benefits the people we serve,” said Governor Green. “We are not only facilitating change — we are doing so through a restorative approach that addresses the root causes of recidivism.”
The newly signed legislation includes the Judiciary’s biennial budget bill, which appropriates crucial funds to meet the growing demand for judicial services. Additionally, the measures support initiatives designed to bridge gaps in the justice system, particularly for nonviolent offenders who are disproportionately affected and face a higher risk of recidivism due to their circumstances.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Karl Rhoads highlighted the impact of these reforms. “These justice reform bills strengthen the support systems that help people avoid legal trouble in the future and make the community safer,” said Rhoads. “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 Hawaiʻi safer and stronger.”
Key Legislation Signed:
HB 400: RELATING TO THE JUDICIARY (Act 227) This pivotal bill appropriates $214 million for fiscal year 2026 and $212 million for fiscal year 2027 for the Judiciary’s operating budget. The funding will cover essential operating costs and establish new permanent staff positions, including an additional District Court Judge and support staff in Kona on Hawaiʻi Island. It also ensures the permanent establishment of three vital specialty courts on Oʻahu: Women’s Court, Driving While Impaired (DWI) Court, and Truancy Court and Early Education Intervention Court. Furthermore, the bill provides crucial support for cybersecurity and technology costs across the entire judiciary.
Significantly for Hawaiʻi Island, additional funds in this budget are earmarked for the planning and design of a new South Kohala District Courthouse, aiming to improve access to judicial services for residents in that region. Governor Green emphasized that this measure guarantees residents across the island chain continued access to essential judicial services that evolve with the needs of the system.
HB 727: RELATING TO THE WOMEN’S COURT (Act 228) Responding to the increasing number of women in the criminal justice system, Act 243 from Session Laws of Hawaiʻi 2022 established Mohala Wahine, a three-year pilot program. This program provides critical resources and guidance to nonviolent women at high risk of recidivism, many of whom have experienced abuse, trauma, poverty, substance-use disorders, and mental illness. Mohala Wahine offers essential support such as substance abuse treatment, housing assistance, and therapy, while also nurturing and educating participants.
HB 727, now Act 228, makes the successful Mohala Wahine pilot program permanent in the First Circuit Court of Oʻahu. To further extend these trauma-informed, evidence-based practices, HB 727 also establishes a two-year Women’s Court pilot program in the Third Circuit Court in Kona on Hawaiʻi Island. This new program will address a critical need for community-based services on Hawaiʻi Island, offering the same supportive services as Mohala Wahine. This measure appropriates $514,900 for fiscal year 2026 and $557,000 for fiscal year 2027 for this initiative.
Representative Mahina Poepoe, introducer of the bill and vice chair of the House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee, championed HB727. “HB727, championed by the Women’s Legislative Caucus, seeks to permanently establish the Mohala Wahine program in the First Circuit as a proven alternative to incarceration and a pathway to reintegration for women,” said Poepoe. “I believe that all women who find themselves in a position of being involved with our court system for nonviolent offenses could benefit from having the option of a pathway that avoids incarceration. Many of these women are mothers and caregivers and with personalized, supportive care focused on healing rather than punishment, we can help them rehabilitate. Expanding this program toawaiʻi Island will strengthen families and communities across our state.”
The complete list of bills signed by Governor Green today includes:
- HB280 HD3 SD1 CD1 – RELATING TO THE COMMUNITY OUTREACH COURT – Act 229
- HB398 HD1 SD2 CD1 – RELATING TO COMPENSATION FOR COURT-APPOINTED REPRESENTATION – Act 230
- HB399 HD1 SD2 CD1 – RELATING TO DISTRICT COURT JUDGES – Act 231
- HB401 HD1 SD2 CD1 – RELATING TO DISTRICT COURT JUDGES – Act 232
- SB304 SD1 HD2 CD1 – RELATING TO THE JUDICIARY – Act 233