HI HB1401

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes §587A-9 to clarify that the Department of Human Services (DHS) can assume temporary foster custody of a child without parental consent or court order when exigent circumstances are present, following transfer of protective custody from a police officer.

Adds a new investigative power to §587A-11 requiring DHS to record all interviews with alleged perpetrators and adults living in the family home by video or audio, save recordings in the case file, and include them in any petition for removal.

Requires DHS to inform child's parents of actions taken within temporary foster custody unless doing so would put another person at risk of harm.

Establishes a three-day deadline (excluding weekends and holidays) for DHS to either return the child to parents, secure a voluntary placement agreement, or file a temporary foster custody petition with the court.

Effective date: July 1, 2025.