Photo: A Community Outreach Court session is held at Waiʻanae Boat Harbor on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi.

History 

The Community Outreach Court (COC) was formally established by Act 55, Session Laws of Hawai‘i 2017 (Senate Bill No. 718, C.D. 1). This law directed the court to take its operations into Oʻahu’s rural communities to improve accessibility for its target participants—specifically, nonviolent misdemeanor offenders who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. 

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Overview 

The COC is a mobile court program that supports individuals facing homelessness and related challenges such as mental health or substance use issues. It focuses on resolving minor criminal and traffic cases that could otherwise create barriers to employment, housing, or maintaining licenses. 

The program brings court services directly to participants’ neighborhoods, helping to eliminate obstacles like long travel distances, intimidating court environments, and confusing legal processes. Instead of jail time or fines, participants may complete community service and gain immediate access to social services such as housing assistance, food support, healthcare, and help obtaining vital documents. 

Hearings are held in community settings with service providers present to offer ongoing support. Cases typically involve negotiated agreements between prosecutors and defenders that may include community service, driver education, or other court-ordered conditions. 

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Referral Process Info 

• How agencies or individuals can refer clients. 
  • To be considered for participation in Community Outreach Court, individuals must be referred through the Office of the Public Defender. If you or someone you are working with may be eligible, please contact the case coordinator at the Public Defender’s Office at 808-347-2551 to begin the application process and determine eligibility. 

• Basic eligibility guidelines. 

• • To participate in Community Outreach Court, individuals must meet all of the following requirements:
    • Have outstanding, non-violent, non-felony quality-of-life offenses 
    • Be eligible for services through the Office of the Public Defender 
    • Have a demonstrated need for social services and be willing to work with providers 
    • Choose to participate in the program voluntarily 
    • Be able and willing to attend court in person 
    • Be willing to complete community service as part of the process 
    • Have at least one outstanding eligible offense pending 

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Calendar of Upcoming Court Dates & Events 

Location(s) of court sessions or resource fairs. 

Kakaʻako 
Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center  
677 Ala Moana Blvd #226, Honolulu, HI 96813 
Next Court Dates: 9/19/25 and 11/14/25  

Kāneʻohe Division 
KEY Project
47-200 Waihee Rd, Kaneohe, HI 96744 
Next Court Dates: 9/08/25 and 11/03/25 

Mōʻiliʻili / McCully
McCully–Mōʻiliʻili Public Library 
2211 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96826 
Next Court Dates: 8/22/25, 10/17/25 and 12/12/25 

Waiʻanae
Waiʻanae Public Library 
85-625 Farrington Hwy, Waianae, HI 96792 
Next Court Dates: 8/29/25, 9/26/25, 10/24/25, 11/21/25 and 12/19/25 

Waimānalo
Waimanalo Hawaiian Homestead Association Halau 
41-253 Ilauhole St, Waimanalo, HI 96795 
Next Court Dates: 10/06/25, 12/08/25 

In addition to applying through the Public Defender’s Office, you’re also welcome to stop by any of our Community Outreach Court hearings. If you’re interested in applying, checking on the status of an existing application, or connecting with one of our service providers, we encourage you to attend. 

Please arrive by 9:00 AM to ensure enough time for check-in and to speak with someone from our team. No appointment is needed. Our court staff and community partners will be there to help guide you through the process and connect you with the support you need. 

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Statistics  

January 2017 – July 2025 

• 706 individuals graduated/completed the program
• 10,699 cases were cleared and are no longer active  
• 7,483 community service work hours were completed by program participants  
• 955 bench warrants were recalled 
• 7,697 driver’s license stoppers have been lifted.