HB 399: Judiciary Package; District Court Judges; First Circuit
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2025-04-24
Current Status:
In Progress
(2025-06-26: Act 231, on 06/26/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1333).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
The bill adds one district court judge to the First Judicial Circuit, increasing its number of district court judges from fourteen to fifteen. It affects the district court system and people who use those courts in the First Circuit.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Establishes one additional district court judgeship in the First Circuit. (CD1)
Establishes one additional district court judgeship in the First Circuit. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)
Establishes one additional district court judgeship in the First Circuit. (SD1)
Establishes one additional district court judgeship in the First Circuit. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes 1 additional district court judgeship in the First Circuit.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
399 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 2 |
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C.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO DISTRICT COURT JUDGES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Section 604-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§604-1 Judicial circuits; district judges; sessions. [[](a)[]] There shall be established in each of the
judicial circuits of the State a district court with the powers and under the
conditions herein set forth, which shall be styled as follows:
(1) For
the First Judicial Circuit: The District
Court of the First Circuit[.];
(2) For
the Second Judicial Circuit: The
District Court of the Second Circuit[.];
(3) For
the Third Judicial Circuit: The District
Court of the Third Circuit[.]; and
(4) For the Fifth Judicial Circuit: The District Court of the Fifth Circuit.
[[](b)[]] There shall be appointed one or more district
judges for each judicial circuit. The
district court of the first circuit shall consist of [fourteen] fifteen
judges, who shall be styled as first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth,
seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, [and]
fourteenth, and fifteenth judge, respectively. One of the district judges shall hear
landlord-tenant and small claims matters[,]; provided that when
in the discretion of the chief justice of the supreme court the urgency or
volume of cases so requires, the chief justice may authorize the judge to
substitute for or act in addition to or otherwise in place of any other
district judge of the district court of the first circuit. The district court of the second circuit
shall consist of three judges, who shall be styled as first, second, and third
judge, respectively. The district court
of the third circuit shall consist of three judges, who shall be styled as
first, second, and third judge, respectively.
The district court of the fifth circuit shall consist of two judges who
shall be styled as first and second judge, respectively. The chief justice may designate a judge in
each circuit as the administrative judge for the circuit.
[[](c)[]] The district courts shall hold sessions at [such
places] any place in their respective circuits and as often as the
respective district judges deem essential to the promotion of justice."
SECTION 2. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Report Title:
Judiciary Package; District Court Judges; First Circuit
Description:
Establishes one additional district court judgeship in the First Circuit. (CD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
399 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 2 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO DISTRICT COURT JUDGES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Section 604-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§604-1 Judicial circuits; district judges; sessions. [[](a)[]] There shall be established in each of the
judicial circuits of the State a district court with the powers and under the
conditions herein set forth, which shall be styled as follows:
(1) For
the First Judicial Circuit: The District
Court of the First Circuit[.];
(2) For
the Second Judicial Circuit: The
District Court of the Second Circuit[.];
(3) For
the Third Judicial Circuit: The District
Court of the Third Circuit[.]; and
(4) For the Fifth Judicial Circuit: The District Court of the Fifth Circuit.
[[](b)[]] There shall be appointed one or more district
judges for each judicial circuit. The
district court of the first circuit shall consist of [fourteen] fifteen
judges, who shall be styled as first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth,
seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, [and]
fourteenth, and fifteenth judge, respectively. One of the district judges shall hear
landlord-tenant and small claims matters[,]; provided that when
in the discretion of the chief justice of the supreme court the urgency or
volume of cases so requires, the chief justice may authorize the judge to
substitute for or act in addition to or otherwise in place of any other
district judge of the district court of the first circuit. The district court of the second circuit
shall consist of three judges, who shall be styled as first, second, and third
judge, respectively. The district court
of the third circuit shall consist of three judges, who shall be styled as
first, second, and third judge, respectively.
The district court of the fifth circuit shall consist of two judges who
shall be styled as first and second judge, respectively. The chief justice may designate a judge in
each circuit as the administrative judge for the circuit.
[[](c)[]] The district courts shall hold sessions at
such places in their respective circuits and as often as the respective
district judges deem essential to the promotion of justice."
SECTION 2. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.
Report Title:
Judiciary Package; District Court Judges; First Circuit
Description:
Establishes one additional district court judgeship in the First Circuit. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
399 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO DISTRICT COURT JUDGES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Section 604-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§604-1 Judicial circuits;
district judges; sessions. [[](a)[]] There shall be established in each of the
judicial circuits of the State a district court with the powers and under the
conditions herein set forth, which shall be styled as follows:
(1) For
the First Judicial Circuit: The District
Court of the First Circuit[.];
(2) For
the Second Judicial Circuit: The
District Court of the Second Circuit[.];
(3) For
the Third Judicial Circuit: The District
Court of the Third Circuit[.]; and
(4) For the Fifth Judicial Circuit: The District Court of the Fifth Circuit.
[[](b)[]] There shall be appointed one or more district
judges for each judicial circuit. The
district court of the first circuit shall consist of [fourteen] fifteen
judges, who shall be styled as first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth,
seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, [and]
fourteenth, and fifteenth judge, respectively. One of the district judges shall hear
landlord-tenant and small claims matters[,]; provided that when
in the discretion of the chief justice of the supreme court the urgency or
volume of cases so requires, the chief justice may authorize the judge to
substitute for or act in addition to or otherwise in place of any other
district judge of the district court of the first circuit. The district court of the second circuit
shall consist of three judges, who shall be styled as first, second, and third
judge, respectively. The district court
of the third circuit shall consist of three judges, who shall be styled as
first, second, and third judge, respectively.
The district court of the fifth circuit shall consist of two judges who
shall be styled as first and second judge, respectively. The chief justice may designate a judge in
each circuit as the administrative judge for the circuit.
[[](c)[]] The district courts shall hold sessions at
such places in their respective circuits and as often as the respective
district judges deem essential to the promotion of justice."
SECTION 2. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Report Title:
Judiciary Package; District Court Judges; First Circuit
Description:
Establishes one additional district court judgeship in the First Circuit. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
399 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO DISTRICT COURT JUDGES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Section 604-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§604-1 Judicial circuits; district judges; sessions. [[](a)[]] There shall be established in each of the
judicial circuits of the State a district court with the powers and under the
conditions herein set forth, which shall be styled as follows:
(1) For
the First Judicial Circuit: The District
Court of the First Circuit[.];
(2) For
the Second Judicial Circuit: The
District Court of the Second Circuit[.];
(3) For
the Third Judicial Circuit: The District
Court of the Third Circuit[.]; and
(4) For the Fifth Judicial Circuit: The District Court of the Fifth Circuit.
[[](b)[]] There shall be appointed one or more district
judges for each judicial circuit. The
district court of the first circuit shall consist of [fourteen] fifteen
judges, who shall be styled as first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth,
seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, [and]
fourteenth, and fifteenth judge, respectively. One of the district judges shall hear
landlord-tenant and small claims matters[,]; provided that when
in the discretion of the chief justice of the supreme court the urgency or
volume of cases so requires, the chief justice may authorize the judge to
substitute for or act in addition to or otherwise in place of any other
district judge of the district court of the first circuit. The district court of the second circuit
shall consist of three judges, who shall be styled as first, second, and third
judge, respectively. The district court
of the third circuit shall consist of three judges, who shall be styled as
first, second, and third judge, respectively.
The district court of the fifth circuit shall consist of two judges who
shall be styled as first and second judge, respectively. The chief justice may designate a judge in
each circuit as the administrative judge for the circuit.
[[](c)[]] The district courts shall hold sessions at
such places in their respective circuits and as often as the respective
district judges deem essential to the promotion of justice."
SECTION 2. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Judiciary Package; District Court Judges; First Circuit
Description:
Establishes one additional district court judgeship in the First Circuit. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
399 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
Relating to District Court Judges.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Section 604-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§604-1 Judicial circuits; district judges; sessions. [[](a)[]] There shall be established in each of the
judicial circuits of the State a district court with the powers and under the
conditions herein set forth, which shall be styled as follows:
(1) For the First Judicial Circuit: The District Court of the First Circuit.
(2) For the Second Judicial Circuit: The District Court of the Second Circuit.
(3) For the Third Judicial Circuit: The District Court of the Third Circuit.
(4) For the Fifth Judicial Circuit: The District Court of the Fifth Circuit.
[[](b)[]] There shall be appointed one or more district
judges for each judicial circuit. The
district court of the first circuit shall consist of [fourteen] fifteen
judges, who shall be styled as first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth,
seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, [and]
fourteenth, and fifteenth judge, respectively. One of the district judges shall hear
landlord-tenant and small claims matters, provided that when in the discretion
of the chief justice of the supreme court the urgency or volume of cases so
requires, the chief justice may authorize the judge to substitute for or act in
addition to or otherwise in place of any other district judge of the district
court of the first circuit. The district
court of the second circuit shall consist of three judges, who shall be styled
as first, second, and third judge, respectively. The district court of the third circuit shall
consist of three judges, who shall be styled as first, second, and third judge,
respectively. The district court of the
fifth circuit shall consist of two judges who shall be styled as first and
second judge, respectively. The chief
justice may designate a judge in each circuit as the administrative judge for the
circuit.
[[](c)[]] The district courts shall hold sessions at
such places in their respective circuits and as often as the respective
district judges deem essential to the promotion of justice."
SECTION 2. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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By Request |
Report Title:
Judiciary Package; District Court Judges; First Circuit
Description:
Establishes 1 additional district court judgeship in the First Circuit.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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| Jun 26, 2025 | Act 231, on 06/26/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1333). |
| Jun 26, 2025 | Act 231, 06/26/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1333). |
| May 1, 2025 | Transmitted to Governor. |
| May 2, 2025 | Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 821). |
| May 1, 2025 | Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 888). |
| Apr 30, 2025 | Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Pierick excused (2). |
| Apr 30, 2025 | Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . 0 No(es): none. 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 24, 2025 | 48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 04-30-25 |
| Apr 24, 2025 | Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 55). |
| Apr 24, 2025 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 04-30-25. |
| Apr 24, 2025 | Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 55) as amended in (CD 1). |
| Apr 22, 2025 | The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 2 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Moriwaki; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Awa. |
| Apr 22, 2025 | The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 4 Ayes: Representative(s) Tarnas, Kitagawa, Belatti, Garcia; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 21, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Tuesday 04-22-25 2:05PM in conference room 325. |
| Apr 17, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Monday 04-21-25 2:05PM in conference room 325. |
| Apr 16, 2025 | Bill scheduled for Conference Committee Meeting on Thursday, 04-17-25 3:46PM in conference room 325. |
| Apr 15, 2025 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 790). |
| Apr 15, 2025 | Senate Conferees Appointed: Rhoads Chair; Moriwaki Co-Chair; Awa. |
| Apr 15, 2025 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 732). |
| Apr 14, 2025 | House Conferees Appointed: Tarnas, Kitagawa Co-Chairs; Belatti, Garcia. |
| Apr 11, 2025 | Received notice of disagreement (Hse. Com. No. 704). |
| Apr 10, 2025 | House disagrees with Senate amendment (s). |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Returned from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 627) in amended form (SD 2). |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Report adopted; Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Apr 4, 2025 | 48 Hrs. Notice 04-08-25. |
| Apr 4, 2025 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1762) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). |
| Apr 2, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in WAM were as follows: 13 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, Aquino, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Mar 27, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 04-02-25 10:01AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 19, 2025 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. |
| Mar 19, 2025 | Reported from JDC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1141) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Mar 14, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in JDC were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Gabbard, Chang, San Buenaventura; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 1 No(es): Senator(s) Awa; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Mar 13, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC deferred the measure until 03-14-25 10:00AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 7, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC has scheduled a public hearing on 03-13-25 9:45AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Referred to JDC, WAM. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Passed First Reading. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 228). |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Pierick, Ward excused (2). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1136), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Feb 25, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 13 Ayes: Representative(s) Yamashita, Takenouchi, Grandinetti, Holt, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Lamosao, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Templo, Alcos; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 3 Excused: Representative(s) Kusch, Reyes Oda, Ward. |
| Feb 21, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Tuesday, 02-25-25 12:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 10, 2025 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Belatti, Cochran, Kila, Ward excused (4). |
| Feb 10, 2025 | Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 290) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN. |
| Jan 30, 2025 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 9 Ayes: Representative(s) Tarnas, Poepoe, Belatti, Kahaloa, Perruso, Takayama, Todd, Garcia, Shimizu; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Cochran, Hashem. |
| Jan 24, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by JHA on Thursday, 01-30-25 2:00PM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Referred to JHA, FIN, referral sheet 1 |
| Jan 17, 2025 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
| Jan 16, 2025 | Pending introduction. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| Apr 30, 2025 | Final Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 30, 2025 | Final Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 8, 2025 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 2, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
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| Mar 14, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary |
Passed |
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| Mar 4, 2025 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Feb 25, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
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| Jan 30, 2025 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
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Position
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Date
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|---|---|---|
| Collection Law Section, Hawaii State Bar Association | *** Support | Apr 2, 2025 |
| District Court of the First Circuit | *** Support | Apr 2, 2025 |
| Hawaii Financial Services Association | *** Support | Apr 2, 2025 |
| Hawaii State Bar Association | *** Support | Apr 2, 2025 |
| Office of the Public Defender | ** Support | |
| The Judiciary, State of Hawai‘i | *** Support | Apr 2, 2025 |
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. NO. 55
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 399
H.D. 1
S.D. 2
C.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madam and Sir:
Your Committee on Conference on the disagreeing vote of the House of Representatives to the amendments proposed by the Senate in H.B. No. 399, H.D. 1, S.D. 2, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO DISTRICT COURT JUDGES,"
having met, and after full and free discussion, has agreed to recommend and does recommend to the respective Houses the final passage of this bill in an amended form.
The purpose of this measure is to establish an additional district court judgeship in the First Circuit.
Your Committee on Conference has amended this measure by:
(1) Changing the effective date to upon approval; and
(2) Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the managers of your Committee on Conference that is attached to this report, your Committee on Conference is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 399, H.D. 1, S.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Final Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 399, H.D. 1, S.D. 2, C.D. 1.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the managers:
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ON THE PART OF THE SENATE |
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ON THE PART OF THE HOUSE |
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____________________________ KARL RHOADS Chair |
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____________________________ DAVID A. TARNAS Co-Chair |
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____________________________ SHARON MORIWAKI Co-Chair |
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____________________________ LISA KITAGAWA Co-Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1762
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: H.B. No. 399
H.D. 1
S.D. 2
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 399, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO DISTRICT COURT JUDGES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish one additional District Court judge position in the First Circuit.
Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Judiciary, Hawaii Financial Services Association, Hawaii State Bar Association, and Collection Law Section of the Hawaii State Bar Association.
Your Committee finds that the additional judge position established by this measure will help the First Circuit better manage court dockets, be more responsive to the needs of the community, increase capacity in rural courts, and develop and expand specialized court calendars.
Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, to facilitate further discussion on the measure.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 399, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 399, H.D. 1, S.D. 2.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,
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________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1141
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: H.B. No. 399
H.D. 1
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred H.B. No. 399, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO DISTRICT COURT JUDGES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish one additional district court judgeship in the First Circuit.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Judiciary, Office of the Public Defender, Hawaii State Bar Association, Hawaii Financial Services Association, and one individual.
Your Committee finds that currently, there are sixteen district court courtrooms in the First Circuit. However, there are only fourteen district court judges, which requires the Judiciary to rely heavily on per diem judges to preside over district court calendars. Your Committee further finds that the availability of per diem judges is limited due to most per diem judges being practicing attorneys who have other professional responsibilities. This measure will provide the district court with the ability to better manage court dockets, be more responsive to the needs of the community, increase capacity in rural courts, and develop and expand specialized court calendars by establishing an additional district court judgeship in the First Circuit.
Your Committee has amended this measure by making it effective upon its approval.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 399, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 399, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,
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________________________________ KARL RHOADS, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1136
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 399
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 399, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO DISTRICT COURT JUDGES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 399, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,
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____________________________ KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 290
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 399
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 399 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO DISTRICT COURT JUDGES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee finds that the population and legal issues facing the City and County of Honolulu have significantly increased since the last District Court judge was authorized over forty years ago. Authorizing an additional District Court judge will allow the District Court to better manage court dockets, be more responsive to the needs of the community, increase capacity in the rural courts, and develop or expand specialized court calendars.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and
(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 399, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 399, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,
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____________________________ DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Apr 2, 2025 | HB399_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAM_04-02-25_.PDF |
| Mar 13, 2025 | HB399_HD1_TESTIMONY_JDC_03-13-25_.PDF |
| Feb 25, 2025 | HB399_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_02-25-25_.PDF |
| Jan 30, 2025 | HB399_TESTIMONY_JHA_01-30-25_.PDF |
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):