HI SCR168

Requests the William S. Richardson School of Law to establish a task force to study the feasibility of creating a loan forgiveness program for law graduates who serve in rural Hawaii communities.

Task force membership includes the law school dean (or designee), representatives from the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, Hawaii Justice Foundation, and Access to Justice Commission, plus one Senate and one House member.

Task force shall be named the Task Force for Rural Legal Assistance and must submit findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the Legislature at least 10 days before the 2020 regular session convenes.

Program aims to address law school debt burden that limits graduates' career choices and increase legal service availability to rural Hawaii residents facing significant legal challenges.