Informing the Legislature that on July 9, 2024, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2439 SD1 HD1 CD1 (ACT 238).

This bill allows adult victims of sexual abuse in Hawaii to file civil lawsuits against their abusers and certain responsible institutions, even if the original time limit to sue has expired. To qualify, the alleged abuse must have occurred after June 30, 2012, and the victim must be at least 18 years old at the time of the incident. The law requires plaintiffs to submit a confidential certificate of merit from a licensed mental health professional to prove there is a reasonable basis for their claim before the case proceeds. Additionally, the bill includes protections for defendants, allowing them to recover attorney's fees if a court finds the accusation was made without factual basis and with malicious intent.