Bill Text: HI HCR218 | 2019 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Requesting A Task Force To Review And Report On The Establishment Of Fair And Proportional Fines For Certain Penalties In Hawaii To Ensure A Fair And Meaningful Deterrent To Illegal Behavior For Individuals Across The Economic Spectrum.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 8-0)
Status: (Passed) 2019-04-30 - Resolution adopted in final form. [HCR218 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2019-HCR218-Amended.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.C.R. NO. |
218 |
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THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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HOUSE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION
REQUESTING A TASK FORCE TO REVIEW AND REPORT ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FAIR AND PROPORTIONAL FINES FOR CERTAIN PENALTIES IN HAWAII TO ENSURE A FAIR AND MEANINGFUL DETERRENT TO ILLEGAL BEHAVIOR FOR INDIVIDUALS ACROSS THE ECONOMIC SPECTRUM.
WHEREAS, penalties for some violations and infractions in all areas of law in Hawaii tend to be flat fines, including but not limited to speeding, and negligent or reckless actions; and
WHEREAS, such actions can lead to serious injuries or death and, in the case of traffic violations, are a leading cause of vehicular accidents and manslaughter in Hawaii; and
WHEREAS, penalties for those violations and infractions should serve as a meaningful deterrent to illegal behavior; however, a flat fine often serves as a meaningful deterrent only for those to whom it has a financial impact, making for an unfair application of justice in Hawaii; and
WHEREAS, while a fine for $200 may serve as a meaningful deterrent to illegal behavior for an individual of average means, it may require a $2,000 fine to serve as a meaningful deterrent to illegal behavior for a wealthy individual; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirtieth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2019, the Senate concurring, that a task force be established to review and report on the establishment of fair and proportional fines for certain penalties in Hawaii to ensure a fair and meaningful deterrent to illegal behavior for individuals across the economic spectrum; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force is requested to consist of:
(1) The Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court, or the Chief Justice's designee, who shall chair the task force;
(2) The Attorney General, or the Attorney General's designee;
(3) The Public Defender, or the Public Defender's designee;
(4) The Prosecuting Attorney of each county, or the Prosecuting Attorney's designee;
(5) The Chair of the House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary;
(6) One member of the Senate designated by the President of the Senate; and
(7) Any others appointed by the chair of the task force; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force is requested to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than December 1, 2019; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor; Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court; Attorney General of the State of Hawaii; Public Defender of the State of Hawaii; and Prosecuting Attorney of each county.
Fines; Task Force
