If enacted, HB2150 will amend existing state laws to separate the functions of the coroner from those of law enforcement. This separation aims to reinforce the independence of the coroner's decisions regarding death investigations and encourage public trust in the accuracy and impartiality of death counts and cause determinations. By allowing for a more transparent investigation process, the bill intends to address the concerns of families and communities impacted by death investigations, especially in cases that may involve law enforcement.
House Bill 2150 seeks to reform the role of coroners in the state of Hawaii by making them independent from law enforcement agencies. Currently, in counties lacking a medical examiner, the chief of police serves as the ex officio coroner. This dual role has raised ethical concerns, particularly highlighted by the events during the 2023 wildfires on Maui, prompting fears regarding police accountability and the integrity of death investigations. The bill proposes that each county's medical examiner be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the respective county council, who will also take on the responsibilities of the coroner.
The legislation also includes appropriations for establishing county medical examiner positions in Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai, which may exceed the state's general fund expenditure ceiling for the specified fiscal year. There may be discussions surrounding the financial implications of creating these positions and adjustments to existing budgets. Additionally, some stakeholders may express concerns about the potential implications of restructuring the coroner's role on existing investigative procedures, particularly in how death investigations are coordinated with law enforcement in cases of suspicious or violent deaths.