HI SB2790

Replaces the "guiding principles" for children in foster care in Chapter 587A of Hawaii Revised Statutes with explicit "rights of children in foster care" and repeals section 587A-3

Establishes 14 enumerated rights for children in foster care including safe housing free from abuse, food, shelter, clothing, medical and mental health care, regular contact with parents and siblings, notice of court hearings, religious freedom, personal bank accounts, school attendance, and life skills training beginning at age 12

Provides additional rights including freedom from discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, immigration status and other protected characteristics; right to meet with the presiding judge; right to request an attorney if opinions differ from guardian ad litem; and right to remain in school of origin with transportation

Requires children age 14 and older to receive their annual credit report free of charge and assistance interpreting it, and requires children age 17 to receive personal documents before aging out including birth certificate, Social Security card, medical records, and driver's license or identification card

Authorizes family court to issue necessary orders sua sponte or upon motion to ensure children receive enumerated rights and clarifies that nothing in this section establishes a private cause of action for violation of any provision