SB2110 Summary

• Requires family courts to appoint attorneys to indigent parents in foster care cases under Chapter 587A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, changing existing discretionary authority to a mandatory requirement.

• Courts must make every effort to provide appointed counsel at the first hearing attended by the parent, and shall not enter prejudicial orders until counsel appears or the parent waives counsel on the record.

• Allows courts to grant continuances if counsel is not appointed at least three days prior to hearing, except for court orders necessary for child safety.

• Permits legal parents who were represented by private counsel but are now indigent to receive appointed counsel, and allows parents to knowingly and voluntarily waive the right to appointed counsel on the record.

• Effective date December 31, 2059.