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Committee approves making Community Outreach Court permanent, removes AG appropriation
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Summary
The committee voted to pass HB 280 with amendments that make community outreach court a permanent division of the First Circuit’s district court and remove a proposed appropriation and definition reference to the Attorney General; multiple agencies and service providers supported permanence.
The Senate Committee on Judiciary voted to pass House Bill 280 with amendments that permanently establish the Community Outreach Court (COC) as a division of the District Court of the First Circuit.
The committee accepted the Attorney General’s suggested amendments to remove the Attorney General from the bill’s definition of prosecuting attorney and to remove a related appropriation to the AG’s office. Chair Rhodes said those changes are intended to ensure efficiency while preserving AG participation through stakeholder meetings.
Antonia Analbaa, section administrator for specialized program services (which includes COC), described the court’s record since its 2017 pilot: clearing cases, lifting driver’s-license holds, recalling bench warrants and helping participants secure employment, housing and essential documents. “Making community outreach court permanent will ensure continued support for those working toward a second chance,” she said.
Hailey Chang, first deputy public defender, said the Office of the Public Defender supports permanence and noted the court’s outreach model reduces transportation and financial barriers to participation. Director Yamane of the Department of Human Services, the Hawaii State Council on Mental Health, harm‑reduction and youth organizations also testified in favor.
The committee adopted the Attorney General’s recommended technical amendments and a defect date change and voted to pass HB 280 HD3 with those amendments.
