Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Human Services and Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 4 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the establishment of an interagency task force to evaluate the opening of child welfare family court proceedings to the public.

The Department of Human Services and Child Welfare Services submitted testimony in support of the measure.

Your Committees find that the Legislature must be cautious in opening child abuse and neglect cases to the public in order to respect the privacy and well being of the child and their family. However, opening up these cases can assist in family problem-solving, improve coordination and collaboration, and make a more effective use of limited resources. Still, these situations are fairly sensitive and caution must be taken before any decisions can be made. This measure will create a task force to evaluate the potential risks and benefits of opening Child and Welfare Family Court proceedings to the public.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Human Services and Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 4 and recommend its adoption.