In a landmark move for criminal justice reform in Hawaii, Governor Sarah Chang signed a series of new bills into law on February 22, 2026, aimed at promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism among the state's incarcerated population.One of the key pieces of legislation signed by Governor Chang is Senate Bill 1045, which establishes a system for expunging certain criminal records after a set period of time has passed without any subsequent convictions. This measure is expected to open up new opportunities for individuals who have served their time and are ready to reintegrate into society.Additionally, House Bill 721, also signed into law on February 22nd, focuses on expanding access to mental health and substance abuse treatment programs for individuals involved in the criminal justice system. By prioritizing treatment over incarceration, this bill aims to address the underlying issues that may contribute to criminal behavior.Governor Chang emphasized the importance of these reforms in a statement following the signing ceremony, stating, "We must move away from a punitive approach to criminal justice and towards a more rehabilitative and restorative model. These new laws represent a significant step in that direction."The new legislation comes on the heels of a growing national conversation around the need for criminal justice reform, with Hawaii joining a number of states in taking proactive steps to address issues such as mass incarceration and racial disparities in the criminal justice system.Advocates for reform have praised the new laws as a positive step forward for Hawaii, with many expressing hope that these measures will lead to a more just and equitable criminal justice system in the state.As these new laws go into effect, Hawaii is poised to become a leader in criminal justice reform, setting an example for other states to follow in the ongoing effort to create a more fair and effective system for all individuals involved in the criminal justice system.