HB 401: Judiciary Package; District Court Judges; Third Circuit
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2025-04-24
Current Status:
In Progress
(2025-06-26: Act 232, on 06/26/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1334).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
This bill adds one more district court judge in the Third Circuit, increasing its number of district judges from three to four. The change affects the Third Circuit court system and people who have cases there.
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 Third Circuit. (CD1)
Establishes one additional district court judgeship in the Third Circuit. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)
Establishes one additional district court judgeship in the Third Circuit. (SD1)
Establishes one additional district court judgeship in the Third Circuit. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes 1 additional district court judgeship in the Third Circuit.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
401 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 2 |
|
|
|
C.D. 1 |
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
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 by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
"[[](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 judges, who shall
be styled as first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth,
ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth 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] four judges, who
shall be styled as first, second, [and] third, and fourth 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."
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; Third Circuit
Description:
Establishes one additional district court judgeship in the Third 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.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
401 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
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 by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
"[[](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 judges, who shall
be styled as first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth,
ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth 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] four judges, who
shall be styled as first, second, [and] third, and fourth 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."
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; Third Circuit
Description:
Establishes one additional district court judgeship in the Third 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.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
401 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
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 by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
"[[](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 judges, who shall
be styled as first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth,
ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth 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] four judges, who
shall be styled as first, second, [and] third, and fourth 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."
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; Third Circuit
Description:
Establishes one additional district court judgeship in the Third 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.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
401 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
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 by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
"[[](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 judges, who shall
be styled as first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth,
ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth 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] four judges, who
shall be styled as first, second, [and] third, and fourth 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."
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; Third Circuit
Description:
Establishes one additional district court judgeship in the Third 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.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
401 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
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 by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
"[[](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 judges, who shall
be styled as first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth,
ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth 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] four judges, who shall be styled as first,
second, [and] third, and fourth 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."
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.
|
INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
|
|
By Request |
Report Title:
Judiciary Package; District Court Judges; Third Circuit
Description:
Establishes 1 additional district court judgeship in the Third Circuit.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Jun 26, 2025 | Act 232, on 06/26/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1334). |
| Jun 26, 2025 | Act 232, 06/26/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1334). |
| 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. 56). |
| Apr 24, 2025 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 04-30-25. |
| Apr 24, 2025 | Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 56) 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. 629) 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. 1761) 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. 1142) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Mar 13, 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 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. 229). |
| 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. 1137), 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. 291) 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. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 30, 2025 | Final Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 30, 2025 | Final Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 8, 2025 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| 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 |
|
| Mar 13, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary |
Passed |
|
| Mar 4, 2025 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| Feb 25, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
|
| 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.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| Collection Law Section, Hawaii State Bar Association | *** Support | Apr 2, 2025 |
| Hawaii Financial Services Association | *** Support | Apr 2, 2025 |
| Hawaii State Bar Association | *** Support | Apr 2, 2025 |
| Office of the Prosecuting Attorney of the County of Hawaii | ** Support | |
| Office of the Public Defender | ** Support | |
| Olson & Sons | *** Support | Apr 2, 2025 |
| The Judiciary, State of Hawai‘i | *** Support | Apr 2, 2025 |
| West Hawai'i Bar Association | *** Support | Feb 25, 2025 |
| West Hawaii Bar Association | ** Support | |
| West Hawaii Bar Association | *** Support | Apr 2, 2025 |
| West Hawaii Bar Association | ** Support |
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. NO. 56
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 401
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. 401, 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 Third Circuit.
Your Committee on Conference has amended this measure by changing its effective date to upon approval.
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. 401, 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. 401, H.D. 1, S.D. 2, C.D. 1.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the managers:
|
ON THE PART OF THE SENATE |
|
ON THE PART OF THE HOUSE |
|
____________________________ KARL RHOADS Chair |
|
____________________________ DAVID A. TARNAS Co-Chair |
|
____________________________ SHARON MORIWAKI Co-Chair |
|
____________________________ LISA KITAGAWA Co-Chair |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1761
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: H.B. No. 401
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. 401, 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 Third Circuit.
Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Judiciary, Hawaii Financial Services Association, Hawaii State Bar Association, Collection Law Section of the Hawaii State Bar Association, Olson and Sons, and West Hawaii Bar Association.
Your Committee finds that currently in the Kona District Court, a single judge oversees approximately sixteen thousand cases per year. Your Committee believes that the additional judge position established by this measure will help reduce caseloads, allow the court to operate more efficiently, and provide justice to litigants and victims in a more timely manner.
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. 401, 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. 401, H.D. 1, S.D. 2.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,
|
|
|
________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair |
|
|
|
|
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1142
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: H.B. No. 401
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. 401, 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 Third Circuit.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Judiciary, Hawaii State Bar Association, West Hawaii Bar Association, Hawaii Financial Services Association, and five individuals.
Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from two individuals.
Your Committee finds that currently, a single district court judge in the Kona District Court is required to handle a caseload of nearly sixteen thousand cases per year. This extraordinary volume of cases handled by a sole district court judge causes significant delays in obtaining trial and hearing dates, with incarcerated individuals waiting longer for their cases to be resolved. These delays result in unnecessary pretrial detention costs and emotional strain on defendants and their families. Additionally, overcrowded court calendars frequently lead to hours of waiting for hearings, wasting time and resources for attorneys, litigants and their families, and witnesses, including victims. Your Committee further finds that the overburdened court system may also affect the quality of justice, as judges and their staff may be forced to prioritize speed over thoroughness, leaving little time for careful preparation for cases. This measure will add a second district court judge to the Kona District Court, thereby reducing delays, improving scheduling, ensuring timely hearings, alleviating burdens on pretrial detainees, lowering costs for taxpayers, and providing better access to justice for all.
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. 401, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 401, 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,
|
|
|
________________________________ KARL RHOADS, Chair |
|
|
|
|
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1137
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 401
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. 401, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO DISTRICT COURT JUDGES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Judiciary; Office of the Public Defender; Office of the Prosecuting Attorney of the County of Hawaii; West Hawaii Bar Association; Hawaii Financial Services Association; Hawaii State Bar Association; Collection Law Section of the Hawaii State Bar Association; and six individuals.
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. 401, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,
|
|
|
____________________________ KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair |
|
|
|
|
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 291
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 401
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. 401 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO DISTRICT COURT JUDGES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee finds that there is a critical and urgent need to address the severe strain on the Kona District Court, where a single judge handles nearly 16,000 individual cases annually. Adding an additional district court judge will reduce the individual caseloads and allow the court to operate more efficiently, dispose of cases more promptly, and provide litigants and victims with timely and equitable justice.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and
(2) Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment 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. 401, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 401, 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,
|
|
|
____________________________ DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair |
|
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Testimony PDF
|
|---|---|
| Apr 2, 2025 | HB401_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAM_04-02-25_.PDF |
| Mar 13, 2025 | HB401_HD1_TESTIMONY_JDC_03-13-25_.PDF |
| Feb 25, 2025 | HB401_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_02-25-25_.PDF |
| Jan 30, 2025 | HB401_TESTIMONY_JHA_01-30-25_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
1MIN
Conference Committee
1MIN
Conference Committee
1MIN
Conference Committee
9MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary
9MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs
5MIN
House Standing Committee on Finance
3MIN
House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):