HI HR189

Request the Office of the Auditor to conduct an audit of contested child custody proceedings in which family violence was alleged, heard by Family Courts between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2010.

Audit shall assess how Family Court judges applied and enforced Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 571-46(a)(9)-(14), which establishes criteria for custody and visitation decisions when family violence has occurred.

Require the Judiciary to redact all names of parties, witnesses, attorneys, judges, and other interested persons from selected custody proceedings to protect privacy and confidentiality.

Auditor must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the Regular Session of 2012 begins.

Direct transmission of certified copies of the resolution to the Chief Justice, Senior Judge of Family Court, Administrative Director of Courts, and State Auditor.