HI HB2131

Removes "grandparents" from the list of persons automatically eligible for visitation rights in section 571-46(a)(7), requiring instead a separate petition process.

Establishes three findings the court must make before awarding grandparent visitation: (1) Hawaii is the child's home state, (2) visitation is in the child's best interest, and (3) denial would cause significant harm to the child.

Creates a rebuttable presumption that a parent's decision regarding grandparent visitation is in the child's best interest, which can be overcome by evidence that denial would cause significant harm.

Directs courts to apply the same standards, considerations, and procedures used for parent visitation when awarding grandparent visitation rights.

Effective date of July 1, 2016.