WHEREAS, Hawaii's family law has been reviewed and modified throughout the years to become a body of law that is fair and equitable, and encompasses property settlement, child support, and child custody; and

WHEREAS, Hawaii's family law is generally considered progressive and highly supportive of children of divorce; and

WHEREAS, however, lifestyles, economic conditions, and other factors continue to change, especially in relation to family law; and

WHEREAS, for that reason, no state can rest on its laurels and cease reviewing its laws, as the changing face of human nature and circumstances compels continued cycles of review; and

WHEREAS, it is time for such a review of Hawaii's family laws; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-first Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2001, that the Department of the Attorney General is requested to review the laws of other states regarding property settlements with respect to the dissolution of marriage, child custody, and child support, and compare them with existing law in Hawaii; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Attorney General is requested to report back to the Legislature on any findings and with respect as to whether Hawaii's family law statutes need to be amended at this time and, if so, with proposed draft legislation to do so; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the Attorney General.