HI HB1381

Establishes a working group within the judiciary to improve legal services for youth in Hawaii's child welfare system, building on recommendations from the Malama Ohana Working Group created by Act 86 (2023)

Working group will review pathways to implement court process improvements, examine practices in other jurisdictions, and conduct site visits to identify models for legal representation of foster youth

Membership includes two family court judges as co-chairs, a supreme court justice or designee, attorney general representative, guardian ad litem, UH law school representative, and individuals with lived experience in the child welfare system

Requires a report to the legislature 20 days before the 2026 session, including plans for a pilot program to test counsel services delivery for youth in a selected age range and jurisdiction

Appropriates unspecified general funds for fiscal year 2025-2026, with the working group ceasing to exist on June 30, 2026