HI SR49

Requests the Hawaii Judiciary to permanently allow petitioners of temporary restraining orders (TROs) to testify remotely during hearings instead of appearing in person.

Cites a 46 percent increase in domestic and intimate partner violence calls reported by the Domestic Violence Action Center from late March to early October 2022.

References a 2020 University of Arizona study finding that 81 percent of legal advocates reported clients experienced retraumatization when facing alleged abusers in court.

Requests the Judiciary establish parameters for remote testimony in cases involving domestic violence, intimate partner violence, or where petitioners have post-traumatic stress disorder diagnoses.

Directs transmission of a certified copy of the resolution to the Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court.