HB 570 Summary

• Establishes a child abuse investigation unit within the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General to investigate child abuse cases under Chapter 587A upon referral from courts, law enforcement, prosecutors, or state departments.

• Authorizes the Department of the Attorney General to intervene and investigate circumstances in any family court adjudication involving child abuse.

• Enacts the Uniform Child Witness Testimony by Alternative Methods Act, allowing courts to permit child witnesses to testify by alternative methods (such as closed-circuit television, video recording, or screens) if the child would suffer serious emotional distress from testifying in open court or face-to-face with the defendant.

• Requires expedited criminal proceedings in cases involving child abuse or offenses under sections 707-730 through 707-733.6 perpetrated against minors, including priority court docket placement and a requirement that trials commence within 12 months of charge or indictment with a maximum of three continuances permitted.

• Limits continuances in child abuse cases by requiring courts to consider the minor's age and potential adverse impact of delays on the child's well-being, and authorizes sanctions against defense attorneys unprepared to commence trial.