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SCR 29

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 a working group to examine court security staffing shortages and risks from private security contracting to address fiscal and accountability concerns.

Offered.
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Bill Summary · SCR 29

Legislative bill overview

SCR 29 is a request resolution calling for the establishment of a working group to study staffing shortages, expanded responsibilities, and fiscal/accountability risks related to private security contracting in Hawaii's state courts. The resolution does not create law itself but directs relevant agencies to convene and analyze systemic issues in court security operations.

Why is this important

Court security directly affects public safety, judicial independence, and the integrity of legal proceedings. The bill identifies growing reliance on private security contractors, which raises questions about oversight, consistency, cost control, and accountability—issues that could affect court operations statewide and state budgets.

Potential points of contention

  • Private vs. Public Security: Debate over whether private contractors provide adequate oversight and accountability compared to state-employed personnel, and whether shifting to public security increases long-term costs
  • Scope and Funding: Unclear what the working group's mandate includes, who bears costs, and whether recommendations will require significant new appropriations
  • Implementation Timeline: As a study request, this delays concrete solutions to immediate staffing problems courts may already be experiencing

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

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