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Lawmakers press governor’s mental‑health adviser on plan to increase hospital access for defendants
Summary
Testimony on HCR32/HR32 urged coordinated planning to expand access to the Hawaii State Hospital for certain criminal defendants with severe mental illness. State behavioral‑health officials urged better cross‑agency coordination, upstream diversion and assessment tools to balance clinical needs and public safety.
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs took testimony on HCR32/HR32 on April 7, a resolution requesting the governor’s senior advisor for mental health and the justice system to help formulate a plan to increase access to Hawaii State Hospital for certain mentally ill criminal defendants.
Courtney Matsu of the Behavioral Health Administration (Department of Health) said the department stands on its written testimony and is committed to working with the senior advisor, the Department of Justice, and other stakeholders to manage capacity at the Hawaii State Hospital and to…
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