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Judiciary-backed community outreach court made permanent by committee
Summary
The committee advanced HB 280 to make the judiciary's Community Outreach Court (COC) permanent and appropriate funds; the judiciary and the public defender described the program as mobile, community‑based court that resolves nonviolent matters and links participants to services.
The House committee voted to advance House Bill 280, which would make the Judiciary's Community Outreach Court permanent and provide funding for the program.
Tina Ann Albaa, specialized program services section administrator for the Judiciary, told the committee that Community Outreach Court (COC) "addresses the legal needs of Hawaii's vulnerable populations, including those experiencing poverty and homelessness" and operates as a "mobile court in non formal community oriented settings" that resolves nonviolent matters and connects participants with social services. The judiciary said the COC operates in neighborhoods such as Kakaʻako, Waianae and Kāneʻohe and has expanded in recent years.
A representative of the Office of the Public Defender also testified in support, describing COC's origins in 2017 and crediting legislative support and federal grants for the program's growth. The public defender's office said the program has helped many participants move into more stable housing and access services.
Committee action: Chair Lisa Martin recommended passage with technical and style amendments and a defected effective date. The committee adopted the recommendation.
What happens next: The bill moves to the fiscal committees for appropriation language; the judiciary offered to answer questions and give more program detail as needed.
