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Bill

SR 26

REQUESTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COURT SECURITY AND DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT CAPACITY WORKING GROUP TO ADDRESS SYSTEMIC STAFFING SHORTAGES, EXPANDED STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITIES, AND THE ESCALATING FISCAL AND ACCOUNTABILITY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH PRIVATE SECURITY CONTRACTING AT STATE COURTS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Carol Fukunaga and 6 co-sponsors

Hawaii requests study of court security staffing shortages and private contractor reliance to assess fiscal risks and accountability gaps in state judicial security.

Referred to PSM, JDC.
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Bill Summary · SR 26

Legislative bill overview

SR 26 requests the establishment of a working group to study staffing shortages in court security and law enforcement at Hawaii's state courts. The group would examine systemic staffing gaps, expanding responsibilities, and fiscal risks associated with private security contractors currently filling those positions.

Why is this important

Courts require consistent security to function safely and maintain public trust in judicial proceedings. Chronic understaffing forces reliance on private contractors, which can create accountability gaps, escalate costs, and potentially compromise security standards. This bill addresses whether Hawaii's court system can sustainably meet security needs with public resources.

Potential points of contention

  • Public versus private security philosophy: Debate over whether private contractors provide cost savings or create hidden expenses and accountability issues that justify increased public staffing
  • Fiscal impact and priorities: Questions about whether expanded court security budgets are justified when state agencies face competing budget pressures across education, health, and social services
  • Scope and recommendations: Uncertainty about what the working group will recommend and whether those recommendations will be implemented or funded by future legislatures

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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