Defender Council

The Defender Council provides policy guidance and oversight for Hawaii's public defender services, ensuring that indigent defendants in criminal proceedings receive constitutionally adequate legal representation. It reviews the resources, caseloads, and standards applicable to the Office of the Public Defender and advises on systemic issues in public defense delivery. Adequate public defense is a constitutional requirement that the council helps ensure is met.

Every Hawaii resident accused of a crime who cannot afford an attorney is entitled to public defense services overseen in part through this council. The quality of public defense affects the fairness of Hawaii's criminal justice system and the outcomes for defendants and their families.