HI HCR190

Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs requested to convene a working group to determine feasibility of establishing licensing or certification requirements for paralegals in Hawaii.

Working group to be chaired by the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and include representatives from the Attorney General's office, Hawaii Supreme Court, Kapiolani Community College, Hawaii State Bar Association, Hawaii Paralegal Association, Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, Domestic Violence Action Center of Hawaii, and a practicing attorney who employs paralegals.

Working group must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2018.

Resolution notes that Hawaii currently has no laws regulating paralegal education, work experience, licensing, or certification requirements, and that the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 17 percent employment growth for paralegals nationwide between 2012 and 2022.

Kapiolani Community College currently offers a paralegal program approved by and under consideration for accreditation by the American Bar Association.