Action Alert: Support Pretrial Reform & Oppose State-Funded Military PR
Two important bills are scheduled for hearings Monday, March 16, and community testimony is needed!
Testimony is due Sunday, March 15. Even brief testimony or simply clicking “support” or “oppose” can make a difference.
One bill (HB2413) would move Hawaiʻi toward a fairer pretrial system and reduce unnecessary jail detention, while another (SB3240) would use state taxpayer funds to support military public relations efforts and expand defense-industry messaging into public schools. Please consider submitting testimony to support HB2413 and oppose SB3240.
Support HB2413- Relating to Pretrial Reform
Hearing in Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs on Monday, March 16 at 3:05pm; Conference Room 16 & Zoom
Why Support HB2413?
HB 2413 is a step toward a more fair, evidence-based pretrial system in Hawaiʻi. Many people remain in jail before trial not because they are dangerous, but because they cannot afford bail. Even a short time in jail can cause people to lose jobs, housing, or custody of their children and can increase the likelihood of future arrests.
The bill would prioritize release for eligible nonviolent offenses while maintaining judicial discretion and public safety protections. It does not eliminate bail, but encourages courts to use non-monetary conditions when appropriate.
Why this matters:
Protects the presumption of innocence by reducing detention based solely on ability to pay
Reduces jail overcrowding - about 50-70% of people in Hawaiʻi jails are pretrial detainees
Saves taxpayer dollars - jail costs over $300 per person per day, while community supervision costs far less
Supports safer communities by avoiding unnecessary pretrial detention
Follows successful reforms in states like Illinois and New Jersey that reduced jail populations without increasing crime.
What Does This Bill Do?
Creates a presumption of release for many low-risk, nonviolent offenses
Encourages non-monetary release conditions instead of cash bail
Allows detention when someone poses a real safety or flight risk
Overall, HB 2413 helps reduce unnecessary incarceration while maintaining community safety.
Sample Testimony
Dear Chair Fukunaga, Vice Chair Lee and Members of the Committee:
I am writing in support of H.B. 2413, H.D. 1 Relating to Pretrial Reform.
Many people locked up in our overcrowded jails are accused but not convicted of any crime simply because they cannot afford money bail.
Other states have successfully enacted pretrial reforms and saved taxpayer dollars by investing in robust pretrial services in the community instead of locking people up while awaiting their day in court. It’s time for Hawai'i to make similar changes to our two-tiered system of justice based on wealth and implement pretrial “best practices.” This will increase fundamental fairness in our criminal legal system and reduce the number of legally innocent people held in our jails without compromising community safety. Please pass H.B. 2413, H.D. 1 Relating to Pretrial Reform.
Thank you,
Name
Town, Island
Oppose SB3240- State Funded Military PR
Hearing in House Committee on Public Safety on Monday, March 16 at 9 am; Conference Room 411 & Zoom
SB3240 would use state taxpayer funds (up to $1.3 million) to support the Military and Community Relations Office (MACRO) at the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. MACRO conducts public relations and communications work related to U.S. military operations in Hawaiʻi, including managing public sentiment.The bill would also support defense industry “workforce development” initiatives that include exposure to military-related career pathways for students in grades K-12.Many community members believe taxpayer dollars should instead go toward urgent needs such as housing, healthcare, food assistance, and other social services, rather than funding PR efforts connected to the defense industry.
Sample Testimony
Aloha Chair Belatti, Vice Chair Iwamoto and Committee Members,
I am writing in strong opposition to SB3240.
This bill would use state taxpayer funds to support the Military and Community Relations Office’s public relations work related to U.S. military operations in Hawaiʻi. At a time when our state faces urgent needs such as housing, healthcare, and food security, these funds should not be used to support military or defense industry messaging.
I am also concerned about efforts to bring defense-related messaging into Hawaiʻi’s public school system under the label of workforce development.
For these reasons, I respectfully urge the committee to defer SB3240.
Mahalo for the opportunity to testify.
Name
Town, Island
New to Legislative Engagement? Learn more about how to engage in the Legislative Session!
Make sure you have set up your account on the Hawaiʻi State Legislature website. If you are new to the process, see this helpful page on legislative engagement 101 from the Public Access Room including a link on how to submit testimony!
Mahalo for taking action!
