HI SCR35

Requests that the U.S. Congress, Department of Justice, Federal Communications Commission, and Hawaii Attorney General examine ways to remove defamatory statements from the Internet after victims obtain court judgments.

Emphasizes the need for particular attention to Internet search engine results and removal of hyperlinks to webpages containing defamatory statements.

Acknowledges that defamatory statements can damage personal reputation, business profitability, and employment prospects, and can persist online even after court judgments are obtained.

Notes that victims face undue burden in pursuing individual lawsuits against every website republishing defamatory content, and that many republishers are unaware the statements are false.

Directs certified copies of the resolution be transmitted to U.S. Senate Majority Leader, House Speaker, Hawaii's congressional delegation, U.S. Attorney General, FCC Chairman, and Hawaii Attorney General.