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The unit continues to actively prosecute these cases. The bulk of cases result in a plea of guilty or no contest by the defendant but must still be prepared as if the case were to be tried by a jury. The preparation of the case often results in its disposition short of trial. Defendants do not have to plead guilty to any crime and can insist that this office prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury or to a judge. The Circuit Court Unit is also responsible for a variety of other matters including all appeals from felony convictions, writ practice in both Federal and State Court, evidentiary hearings relating to motions in felony and misdemeanor cases that are set for jury trial, felony sentencing proceedings, probation revocation hearings, parole board hearings, assistance to the Police Department with officer training, review of search warrants, and after hour pager duty. The implementation of an information charging statute in 2006 has provided prosecutors in Hawaii County an additional tool to prosecute felony cases. The circuit court unit in conjunction with the felony screening unit is responsible for prosecuting cases using the information statute. These deputies will be responsible for reviewing police reports, communicating with the investigating officer, and interviewing witnesses and victims. In addition, the deputies will be responsible for preparing the necessary documents required by the statute. Since September 2002, the circuit court unit has taken on the added responsibility of assigning a deputy prosecutor to the Big Island Drug Court. The objective of the Big Island Drug is to promote public safety by reducing recidivism in non-violent substance abusing offenders on the Big Island thru comprehensive integrated programs of drug treatment and rehabilitation services. Due to staff shortages, the initial assignment for the Big Island Drug Court was with the First Deputy. During the past year, the increasing Big Island Drug Court caseload, both for adults and juveniles, has doubled. The increased caseload has meant that the in-court and out-of--court responsibilities for the drug court deputy has also doubled. This additional responsibility has strained the attorney and clerical resources. District Court The Hawaii County Prosecutor's Office covers seven district courts island wide. Deputies handle all of the misdemeanor and traffic cases for Hawaii County which include traffic violations on calendars and trials. Trial calendars have been added to meet the increasing caseload for outlying districts, Attorney and clerical staff continue to meet the additional requirements that have been added because of the Judiciary's new information management system, JIMS. These additional requirements will grow next January when al] misdemeanor and traffic charges must be done with written complaints. Cuttently oral charging is allowed. It is expected that at least two additional personnel will be needed to meet the new judicial requirements.