Informing the Legislature that on July 7, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1801 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 194).

This bill appropriates $200,000 to the Department of Human Services to hire specialists who provide domestic violence training and consultation to child welfare staff across Hawaii. The funding is intended to help workers better identify and support families where domestic violence is a factor in child abuse or neglect reports. The program will offer both virtual and in-person guidance to improve how the agency handles these sensitive cases. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026, and applies to all child welfare offices in the state.