Hawaii Senate Bill SB1337

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 1/30/23
• Refer: 2/3/23

Caption

Relating To Act 278, Session Laws Of Hawaii 2022.

Impact

The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2024, marking a significant transformation in Hawaii's approach to law enforcement. With the establishment of the new department, employees and functions related to law enforcement will be transferred from the Department of Public Safety to the Department of Law Enforcement, which is anticipated to centralize authority and standardize training across the state. This change aims to improve accountability and the quality of law enforcement services. Moreover, it introduces a training center that will administer training and certification for all law enforcement personnel in the state.

Summary

SB1337 amends Act 278 from the Session Laws of Hawaii 2022 to create a separate department of law enforcement and restructure existing public safety functions within the State of Hawaii. It consolidates various law enforcement duties currently spread across different departments—including the Department of Public Safety, Department of Transportation, and the Attorney General's office—into a singular department. This restructuring aims to enhance operational efficiency, improve public safety, and streamline communication among law enforcement agencies. The new department will assume responsibilities for implementing state law enforcement policies, public safety programs, and servicing the security for state properties.

Contention

While proponents argue that this bill will facilitate better coordination among various law enforcement bodies and enhance the overall responsiveness to public safety needs, critics voice concerns regarding the potential for overcentralization of law enforcement powers. It raises questions about the retained authority of local county police departments, as they will continue to exercise concurrent jurisdiction over certain areas. Stakeholders may debate the logistical and budgetary implications of reassigning these responsibilities, as well as the adequacy of resources allocated to the newly formed Department of Law Enforcement.