HI SB2572

Expands family court authority to determine whether "aggravated circumstances" exist at any stage of child protective proceedings prior to termination of parental rights, not just at the return hearing.

Clarifies that torture of a child constitutes aggravated circumstances as defined under Hawaii's torture offense statute (section 707-718), without requiring a criminal conviction.

Requires parties to file motions alleging aggravated circumstances within 21 days of discovering such circumstances exist.

When aggravated circumstances are found, mandates a permanency hearing within 30 days and requires the Department to file a motion to terminate parental rights within 60 days, unless documented reasons show termination is not in the child's best interest.

Eliminates the requirement for the department to provide interim service plans or visitation to parents when aggravated circumstances are present.