STAND. COM. REP. NO. 371-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 1962

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Human Services & Homelessness, to which was referred H.B. No. 1962 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FAMILY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Establish an exemption from mediation in parentage proceedings where there are allegations of domestic abuse; and

(2) Clarify the exemption from mediation in divorce proceedings as it relates to domestic abuse.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Judiciary; Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women; Hawaii Women's Coalition; Hawaiʻi State Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network Speaks!; and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that while mediation can be a valuable tool for many to resolve family disputes, it can be inappropriate and even harmful in cases involving domestic abuse. This measure will ensure that parties involved can still reach positive results while avoiding or minimizing the harmful effects of conflict and litigation on children and families.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Placing the new section in Chapter 584A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, rather than Chapter 584, Hawaii Revised Statutes, which has been repealed;

(2) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services & Homelessness that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1962, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1962, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Human Services & Homelessness,

____________________________

LISA MARTEN, Chair