STAND. COM. REP. NO.2466

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2002

RE: S.B. No. 2044

S.D. 1

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 2044, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FAMILY COURT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is allow a minor to consent for legal services in certain family court proceedings and to establish a mechanism that would facilitate the pro bono legal representation of minors.

Your Committee received testimony in favor of this measure from Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii, Hawaii Foster Youth Coalition, Keiki Injury Prevention Coalition, and Hawaii Youth Services Network. Your Committee received testimony opposing this measure from the Department of Human Services, and comments from the Administrative Director of the Courts.

Your Committee finds that it is not uncommon for the court to be unaware of a child's true feelings that would be important to disclose when decisions concerning the child's welfare and future are being determined. Allowing a minor to select and retain the services of an attorney within the safeguards provided by this measure would provide protection for all children.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2044, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

____________________________

BRIAN KANNO, Chair