HI HB56

Permits grandparents to petition family court for reasonable visitation rights with minor children if the child's home state is Hawaii.

Establishes a rebuttable presumption that a parent's visitation decisions are in the child's best interests, which can only be overcome by clear and convincing evidence that denial of visitation would cause significant demonstrable harm.

Requires courts to consider nine specific factors when ruling on grandparent visitation petitions, including the nature of the pre-existing relationship, financial support provided, and any history of family violence or protective order violations.

Mandates that all living parents and child custodians receive due notice and opportunity to be heard before any visitation order is issued.

Takes effect July 1, 2011.