HI SB2677

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 571-11 to grant family court exclusive original jurisdiction over custody and guardianship proceedings for immigrant children seeking special immigrant juvenile status.

Establishes that family court can issue factual findings determining whether a child was abused, neglected, or abandoned before age 18 for purposes of federal Immigration and Nationality Act Section 101(a)(27)(J).

Defines "child" for these proceedings as an unmarried individual under 21 years of age, expanding the typical child jurisdiction definition.

Aligns Hawaii law with actions taken by other states to assist individuals in claiming federal special immigrant juvenile status protections.

Takes effect upon approval.