KONA COMMUNITY WELCOMES NEW WOMEN'S COURT FOR JUSTICE-INVOLVED WOMEN

Kona, Hawaiʻi – Today, the Kona community celebrated the launch of Nā Hulu Wehi, a new enhancement to the Kona Adult Drug Court designed to provide trauma-informed, culturally grounded care for justice-involved women.

Funded by the State Legislature through Act 228 Session Laws of Hawaiʻi 2025, this pilot establishes a two-year Women’s Court Program in the Kona division of the Third Circuit, offering an alternative to incarceration while addressing the unique needs of women in the justice system.

“Evidence-based programs can reduce recidivism and provide a pathway to stable reintegration for women who have experienced a criminal conviction,” said House Judiciary Chair David A. Tarnas (D-8 Hawi, Hala‘ula, Waimea, Makahalau, Waiki‘i, Waikoloa, Kawaihae, Mahukona). “This initiative reflects the Legislature’s commitment to improving behavioral health outcomes and strengthening families across Hawai‘i.”

The program builds on the success of Mohala Wāhine, a pilot launched in 2023 in the First Circuit on Oʻahu. Mohala Wāhine supports justice-involved women by addressing underlying challenges and reducing reliance on jail or prison. Following its success, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature passed House Bill 727 (Act 228), making Mohala Wāhine permanent on Oʻahu and establishing a similar pilot program in the Kona division, officially dedicated today.

Nā Hulu Wehi Program Highlights:

·         Comprehensive Services for Women in Drug Court: Women currently enrolled in Kona Drug Court can now access women-focused mental health care, behavioral health bed placements, cultural practitioner support, Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), and peer-recovery services without needing a separate court track.

·         Expanded Access for Other Groups: 

o   Justice-involved women not enrolled in Drug Court may access Women’s Mental Health Professional services and Behavioral Health Bed placements.

o   Men in Kona Drug Court may access Cultural Practitioner services, MRT groups, and Peer Support Specialist assistance.

·         Community Partnership: The Judiciary will contract with community-based treatment providers, cultural practitioners, peer specialists, and local organizations to deliver evidence-based best practices interventions and increase the overall capacity of these services in our community.

The program’s expansion was championed by the Women’s Legislative Caucus during the 2025 General Session. Representative Mahina Poepoe (D-13, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe, portion of Kahului, Ha‘ikū, Pe‘ahi, Huelo, Nāhiku, Hāna, Kīpahulu), introducer of Act 228 said, "Women who find themselves in a position of being involved with our court system for nonviolent offenses could benefit from having the option of a pathway that avoids incarceration. Many of these women are mothers and caregivers, and with personalized, supportive care focused on healing rather than punishment, we can help them rehabilitate. Expanding this program to Hawaiʻi Island will strengthen families and communities across our state."

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