STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2248

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2090

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 2090 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CHILD CUSTODY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to allow licensed mental health counselors to be appointed as child custody evaluators.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and Akahai Emotional Wellness, LLC.

Your Committee finds that child custody evaluations are among the most complex and sensitive determinations made within the State's legal system. Your Committee further finds that these evaluations require advanced clinical judgment, a deep understanding of child development, family dynamics, trauma, and mental health diagnoses, as well as the ability to assess risk and make recommendations that prioritize the best interests of the child. Your Committee additionally finds that licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs) are licensed, regulated, and bound by strict ethical codes and education requirements and can serve effectively and responsibly in this critical role. This measure allows LMHCs to serve as custody evaluators to expand the pool of qualified professionals, helping to reduce delays, backlogs, and costs of family court proceedings in the State.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2090 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health and Human Services,

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JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair