Hawaii's Kona Island is experiencing a significant shortage of Public Defenders, with each lawyer managing over 300 cases. Some individuals have waited months for legal representation. The state plans to address this crisis by allowing out-of-state attorneys to participate in a two-year pilot program, permitting them to handle criminal matters without Hawaii licenses. This nationwide public defender shortage has created a constitutional crisis in many states, but Hawaii's pilot program has seen a surge in interest, with a record number of applicants eager to assist.
Public Defenders in Hawaii's Kona Island are overloaded with 300+ cases each and the office refused to accept 150 cases over the past year.
Hawaii is implementing a two-year pilot program allowing out-of-state defense attorneys to assist public defense efforts without state law licenses.
Due to the nationwide public defender crisis, many states are facing severe shortages, leading to cases being stalled and a constitutional crisis.
The response to Hawaii's public defender need has resulted in a record number of applicants for the newly opened positions for out-of-state lawyers.
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