Overview
If a defendant convicted of a felony crime is not sentenced to a term of probation, the Hawaii Paroling Authority will conduct a hearing within six months of the sentencing date to determine the minimum number of years the defendant will have to serve in prison before being eligible to be released on parole status.

The prosecuting attorney has the right to appear at the hearing to present written and oral arguments regarding the seriousness of the offense(s), impact on the victims, and the defendant's dangerousness to the community.

The minimum term hearing is also open for victims or surviving immediate family members to attend. A victim / witness counselor will be available to accompany family members to the hearing.