This bill informs the Hawaii Legislature that Governor Josh Green signed Act 192 into law on July 7, 2026, which amends existing statutes related to domestic violence. The primary change requires the state judiciary to submit annual reports to the legislature by December 1 of 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030. These reports must detail case outcomes, defendant demographics, completion rates for intervention programs, and the time it takes to resolve cases. Additionally, the final report in 2030 will include an evaluation of a pilot project to determine if it improved case resolution speeds and reduced recidivism.
This bill, signed into law by the Governor on June 26, 2026, requires that protective orders issued in Hawaii be shared with military security forces when the person subject to the order is a service member. The law mandates that court clerks send copies of these orders to local police and the appropriate military investigative divisions within 24 hours. Additionally, it establishes a requirement for local law enforcement to create verification systems and develop joint training programs with military branches to improve communication and response. These measures aim to enhance safety and accountability for victims of domestic violence involving military personnel while maintaining confidentiality and due process.
This bill, signed into law as Act 089, updates Hawaii statutes to protect individuals alleging domestic abuse from being forced into mediation during family court cases. It applies to parentage, divorce, and child custody proceedings, ensuring that courts cannot require a victim to attend mediation against their wishes. Under the new rules, mediation can only proceed if the alleged victim explicitly agrees and if a specially trained mediator is used to ensure their safety. Additionally, mediators must screen for domestic abuse and cannot conduct sessions if abuse is suspected unless these safety conditions are met. The law also allows parties to bring an attorney or advocate to mediation sessions to support the alleged victim.
This bill, signed into law by the Governor of Hawaii on April 28, 2026, modifies state statutes regarding domestic abuse orders for protection. It allows courts to keep petition records confidential from the public upon request by the accused or the person being restrained, provided that law enforcement officers can still access these records without needing a separate court order. The changes apply to both temporary restraining orders and extended protective orders when they are denied by a judge. This legislation aims to balance privacy concerns with the need for law enforcement to have access to relevant case information.
This bill is a non-binding resolution that formally affirms the Hawaii Legislature's commitment to improving public safety and fair treatment for domestic violence survivors within the state's justice system. It recommends several policy improvements, including enhanced coordination between state and community service providers to ensure victims receive timely information about available resources such as emergency housing, counseling, and legal assistance. The resolution urges the Judiciary and Honolulu Office of the Prosecuting Attorney to review existing practices and implement specific reforms, such as assigning experienced attorneys to domestic violence cases and requiring mandatory training for prosecutors. While it does not create new laws or allocate funding, it serves as an official statement of legislative intent and calls for administrative changes to improve consistency, efficiency, and victim support in handling domestic violence cases.
This House Resolution affirms the Hawaii legislature's commitment to public safety and fair treatment for domestic violence survivors within the state's justice system. It recommends that the Judiciary review policies related to case assignment, training, and victim notification to improve consistency and efficiency. The resolution also urges the Honolulu Office of the Prosecuting Attorney to implement reforms such as assigning experienced attorneys to domestic violence cases, requiring mandatory training for all prosecutors, and ensuring timely case assignments. Additionally, it suggests the state consider expanding victim support services including emergency funds, mental health counseling, pro bono legal services, emergency housing, and childcare assistance.
Provides a path for expungement from the child abuse and neglect registry for survivors of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, domestic violence, or coercive abuse if certain conditions are met.
Authorizes the Department of Education to retain private counsel to represent a sports official in certain civil proceedings to obtain a temporary restraining order in response to incidences where the sports official has been assaulted or threatened in the course of legally discharging their sports official duties. Includes substantial bodily injury of a sports official engaged in the lawful discharge of the sports official's duties in the offense of assault in the first degree. Clarifies that a sports official includes a school administrator, league administrator, or athletics director. Clarifies that a sports official's duties cover sports events at public schools and private schools. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes a class C felony penalty for the unlawful possession, control, or transfer of a firearm or ammunition in violation of a valid judicial protective order or restraining order.
Extends for five years certain provisions from Act 19, SLH 2020, and Act 238, SLH 2021, relating to abuse of family or household members, including establishing a petty misdemeanor offense of abuse of family or household members, clarifying penalties for violations, and allowing a deferred acceptance of guilty plea for misdemeanor and petty misdemeanor abuse of family or household members offenses. Effective 6/29/2026.
