SB 2119 Summary

• Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes § 571-32 to establish strict conditions for placing children in room confinement at detention and shelter facilities, limiting use to temporary responses when a child poses immediate danger to self or others, or is an imminent escape risk.

• Room confinement limited to a maximum of three hours unless an on-call duty judge grants additional extensions of no more than three hours each; if confinement exceeds three hours, a family court hearing must be held the next business day with legal representation provided.

• Requires less restrictive options and de-escalation techniques be attempted and exhausted before room confinement, and prohibits use for punishment, discipline, coercion, convenience, retaliation, or due to staffing shortages.

• Mandates senior judge of family court, presiding judge, and deputy chief court administrator be notified on the next business day of any room confinement with reasons, location, and time period provided.

• Establishes minimum standards for confined children including adequate lighting, ventilation, access to drinking water, toilets, hygiene supplies, meals, legal assistance, medical and mental health services, and continuous staff monitoring.

• Takes effect December 31, 2059.