Requires judges to make findings on the record regarding a defendant's ability to afford bail.

This bill amends Hawaii law to require judges to make specific findings on the record when setting bail. These findings must include the defendant's ability to pay, the rationale for the bail amount, and why less restrictive alternatives are insufficient. The bill aims to create a fairer pretrial system and ensure meaningful appellate review of bail decisions. The changes respond to findings that the 2019 bail reforms have not reduced pretrial detention as intended.

Requires judges to make findings on the record regarding a defendant's ability to afford bail.

This bill amends Hawaii law to require judges to make specific findings on the record when setting bail. These findings must include the defendant's ability to pay, the rationale for the bail amount, and why less restrictive alternatives are insufficient. The bill aims to create a fairer pretrial system and ensure meaningful appellate review of bail decisions. The changes respond to findings that the 2019 bail reforms have not reduced pretrial detention as intended.