THE SENATE
S.B. NO.
263
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to compensation for court-appointed counsel.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Section 802-5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
"(b) The court shall determine the amount of reasonable compensation to appointed counsel, based on the rate of [[Struck through: $90]] [Underlined: $150] an hour; provided that the maximum allowable fee shall not exceed the following schedule:
(1) Any felony case [[Struck through: $6,000]] [Underlined: $12,000]
(2) Misdemeanor case-jury trial [[Struck through: 3,000]] [Underlined: $6,000]
(3) Misdemeanor case-jury waived [[Struck through: 1,500]] [Underlined: $3,000]
(4) Appeals [[Struck through: 5,000]] [Underlined: $9,000]
(5) Petty misdemeanor case [[Struck through: 900]] [Underlined: $1,800]
(6) Any other type of administrative or
judicial proceeding, including cases
arising under section 571‑11(1),
571‑14(a)(1), or 571‑14(a)(2) [[Struck through: 3,000.]] [Underlined: $6,000.]
Payment in excess of any maximum provided for under paragraphs (1) to (6) may be made whenever the court in which the representation was rendered certifies that the amount of the excess payment is necessary to provide fair compensation and the payment is approved by the administrative judge of that court."
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $2,890,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of budget and finance for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.
INTRODUCED BY:
_____________________________
By Request
Report Title:
Judiciary Package; Criminal Proceedings; Court-Appointed Counsel; Fees; Appropriation
Description:
Increases the rate of compensation and maximum allowable amounts per case for court-appointed counsel in criminal proceedings. Appropriates moneys.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.