HI HB1216

Removes "grandparents" from the general visitation rights provision in Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 571-46(a)(7), making grandparent visitation a separate statutory process rather than automatic consideration.

Creates a new procedure under Section 571-46.3 for grandparents to petition the court for visitation rights, requiring three findings: (1) Hawaii is the child's home state, (2) grandparent visitation is in the child's best interest, and (3) denial of grandparent visitation would cause significant harm to the child.

Establishes a rebuttable presumption that a parent's decision regarding grandparent visitation is in the child's best interest, which can only be overcome by preponderance of evidence showing that denying grandparent visitation would cause significant harm.

Requires the court to apply all standards, considerations, and procedures used for parent visitation when awarding grandparent visitation rights.

Effective date July 1, 2050.