HI SCR137

Requests the Office of the Auditor to audit a sample of contested child custody proceedings where family violence was alleged, heard by Family Courts between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2010.

Directs the audit to assess whether Family Court judges are correctly applying and enforcing Hawaii Revised Statutes section 571-46(a)(9)-(14), which establishes criteria for custody disputes involving family violence.

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

Mandates the State Auditor submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2012 Regular Session convenes.

Expresses legislative concern that Family Court judges may not be properly enforcing family violence provisions, potentially harming domestic violence survivors and their children.