AFFIRMING THE LEGISLATURE'S COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC SAFETY, DUE PROCESS, AND FAIR TREATMENT FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS WITHIN HAWAII'S JUSTICE SYSTEM.

HR67

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. NO.

67

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

affirming the legislature's commitment to public safety,
due process, and fair treatment for domestic violence survivors within hawaii's
justice system
.

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WHEREAS,
almost half of all women nationwide have experienced intimate partner violence
in their lifetime; and

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WHEREAS, in
Hawaii, thirteen percent of people have experienced intimate partner violence
in their lifetime; and

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WHEREAS,
almost seven out of ten women in Hawaii have reported experiencing stalking by
a current or former intimate partner; and

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WHEREAS, the
State has demonstrated a commitment to advocating for the rights of survivors
of domestic violence throughout the justice system; and

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WHEREAS, Act
19 SLH 2020 established a five-year pilot project "to strengthen state and
county responses to domestic violence and increase offender
accountability"; and

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WHEREAS, Act
75 SLH 2023 and Act 81 SLH 2023 amended the temporary restraining order process
to ensure domestic violence survivors had sufficient access to justice while
also protecting them from harm; and

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WHEREAS,
nevertheless, there remains a lack of availability and awareness of victim
support services such as counseling, emergency assistance, housing support,
legal guidance, and related stabilization resources; and

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WHEREAS,
there is a need for greater continuity and preparedness in the handling of
misdemeanor domestic violence cases; and

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WHEREAS,
attorneys working on domestic violence matters require specialized training and
sufficient experience; and

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WHEREAS,
domestic violence judicial proceedings should be impartial and consistent; and

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WHEREAS,
victim support services should clearly communicate the available resources,
case processes, and post-case safety considerations to survivors; and

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WHEREAS, the
interaction between criminal case outcomes and related family court proceedings
should be clearly explained, especially where child safety is a concern; now,
therefore,

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BE IT
RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the
State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the legislature affirms its
commitment to public safety, due process, and fair treatment for domestic
violence survivors within Hawaii's justice system; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED the legislature recommends the Judiciary conduct a review of existing
policies and administrative practices related to case assignment, training, and
victim notification to identify opportunities for improved consistency and
efficiency; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED there should be enhanced coordination among state and community
service providers to ensure victims are better informed of available assistance;
and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED the legislature recognizes the importance of maintaining impartial
judicial processes while promoting public confidence in the administration of
justice; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED the legislature recognizes the need for clear statutory frameworks
that protect victims and provide guidance where criminal and family court
matters intersect; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED the Judiciary and Honolulu Office of the Prosecuting Attorney are
urged to identify best practices that strengthen accountability, preparedness,
and access to services without expanding unnecessary bureaucracy; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED the State should consider offering the following victim support
services to survivors of domestic violence:

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(1)
�
Emergency funds;

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(2)
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Mental health counseling;

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(3)
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Pro bono legal services;

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(4)
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Emergency housing; and

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(5)
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Childcare assistance; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED the Honolulu Office of the Prosecuting Attorney should consider
implementing the following reforms:

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(1)
�
Assigning attorneys with jury trial experience
to misdemeanor domestic violence cases;

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(2)
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Providing an experienced second chair attorney
to assist new attorneys assigned to domestic violence cases;

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(3)
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Assigning the same attorney to every case for
the same victim, if requested;

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(4)
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Assigning attorneys to the case as soon as
possible to provide clarity and sufficient advocacy for survivors;

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(5)
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Requiring all prosecutors to undergo domestic
violence training; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to Chief
Justice of the Hawaii State Supreme Court and Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney.

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:
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Domestic
Violence; Survivors; Access to Justice; Victim Services