HI SCR161

Requests the Hawaii Judiciary to ensure the Access to Justice Commission's task force on adjunct providers of legal services includes at least as many non-lawyers as lawyers.

Requires the task force to include representatives from consumer groups with unmet legal needs, social service providers, regulated adjunct professionals (such as nurses and paramedics), and relevant offices within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Emphasizes that fewer than one in four low- and moderate-income people in Hawaii receive help with civil legal needs, with greatest unmet needs in housing (24%), family law (23%), domestic violence (8%), consumer (7%), health (6%), public benefits (5%), and education (5%).

Cites research demonstrating that non-lawyer adjunct providers are safe and effective for delivering routine basic civil legal services at lower cost than traditional lawyers.

Directs the Judiciary to transmit certified copies to the Chief Justice, Access to Justice Commission, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Director, and legislative committees.