Clarifies that the Paroling Authority has the discretion to set the minimum term that an inmate must serve before becoming eligible for parole at a time period equal to the maximum term of imprisonment allowed for a crime if the inmate was so sentenced at their trial.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. Section 706-669, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (1) to read as follows:

"§706-669 Procedure for determining minimum term of imprisonment. (1) When a person has been sentenced to an indeterminate or an extended term of imprisonment, the Hawaii paroling authority shall, as soon as practicable but no later than six months after commitment to the custody of the director of the department of [[]public safety[]] hold a hearing, and on the basis of the hearing make an order fixing the minimum term of imprisonment to be served before the prisoner shall become eligible for parole. The minimum term of imprisonment to be served may equal the maximum term of imprisonment, if the maximum term of imprisonment for a particular crime was imposed at sentencing."

SECTION 2. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.