HI SB1228

Establishes a working group within the judiciary to improve family court processes and provide legal services for youth in the child welfare system.

Working group shall review recommendations from the malama ohana working group (established by Act 86, SLH 2023) related to court processes and counsel for youth, and examine legal service practices in other jurisdictions through site visits.

Working group membership includes two district family court judges as co-chairs, a supreme court justice, child welfare judges, attorney general representative, guardian ad litem, law school representative, malama ohana representatives, youth leadership representatives, domestic violence advocate, experts with lived child welfare experience, and a parent with lived experience.

Working group must submit findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the 2026 regular session, including plans for a pilot program to test counsel service models for youth in a selected jurisdiction.

Appropriates general revenues for fiscal year 2025-2026 to support the working group; working group ceases to exist on June 30, 2026.