Supporters tell Senate committee youth fines deepen racial disparities; committee votes to pass HB 16-26 with amendments

Supporters of HB 16-26 told the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on March 20 that financial penalties for young people worsen racial and economic disparities and do little to deter misconduct.

"Native Hawaiian youth are disproportionately represented at multiple stages of Hawaii's juvenile legal system," McDonough Woodward of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs said in testimony, arguing that fines "operate as a poverty penalty rather than a meaningful accountability tool." Woodward urged the committee to pass the bill, which the testimony said shifts accountability toward community service and culturally based restorative practices.

Multiple community members and advocacy organizations stood on written testimony in support. Carrie Ann Shiroda told the committee the bill would "help to eliminate recidivism" and address "systemic inequality in our community." A representative of the Office of the Public Defender was listed in support on the agenda.

The chair recommended passing HB 16-26 with technical, non‑substantive amendments for clarity and consistency and changing the effective date to "upon approval." The committee recorded the chair's recommendation and called the vote; the record shows the chair and multiple members voting aye and the recommendation adopted.

Why it matters: Testimony emphasized that low collection rates for youth fines and legacy debt can extend court involvement, shift debt to families (Ohana) and hinder rehabilitation. Proponents said community service and restorative programs better support reconnection to culture and school while avoiding penalties that create long‑term debt.

What's next: The committee adopted the chair's recommendation and passed the bill with amendments; the measure will move forward in the legislative process with the changes noted by the committee.