HI HB616

Adds definition of "electronic communication" to Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 571-2, encompassing wired or wireless technology via Internet including telephone, email, instant messaging, video conferencing, and web camera.

Authorizes courts to award visitation rights by electronic communication as part of child custody proceedings under Section 571-46.

Requires courts to consider potential for abuse or misuse of electronic communication, history of violations of protective orders, and adequacy of safety provisions for the child and custodial parent when awarding electronic visitation.

Prohibits electronic communication visitation from replacing physical custody or visitation except where a parent cannot participate due to circumstances like military deployment or where physical visitation would cause physical or extreme psychological harm to the child.

Effective July 1, 2011.