Hawaii Senate Bill SR26

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/26
• Refer: 3/19/26

Caption

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.

Impact

SR26 seeks to realign staffing levels with the expanded responsibilities of the Department of Law Enforcement, aiming to ensure that there are sufficient resources to meet the security obligations of the state judiciary without an over-reliance on private contracts. The resolution emphasizes the need for stabilization of Deputy Sheriff recruitment and retention to avoid operational strains resulting from recurring vacancies. This effort is critical to maintaining a stable and accountable public security force that supports the judiciary and, by extension, the public’s access to justice.

Summary

Senate Resolution 26 (SR26) from the Thirty-third Legislature of Hawaii requests the establishment of a working group focused on court security and the Department of Law Enforcement's capacity. The resolution highlights systemic staffing shortages, expanded statutory responsibilities, and the rising fiscal and accountability risks associated with relying on private security contractors at state courts. Given the significant increase in duties and responsibilities of the Department of Law Enforcement, the resolution aims to address the gap in staffing levels, particularly in the Sheriff Division, which is crucial for maintaining security in state court facilities.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding SR26 is the concern regarding the efficacy and accountability of private security contractors. The resolution addresses the risks of fragmenting public accountability and oversight when court security is outsourced. Stakeholders are worried that contracting private security could erode the institution’s capacity and shift the focus away from necessary structural workforce investments, further complicating fiscal management and public trust in the security provided at court facilities.