Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred H.B. No. 871 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to protect a child from being removed from a guardianship if the parent cannot show a substantial change in circumstances but allows the parent an opportunity to file for dissolution of a guardianship if the parent shows by a preponderance of the evidence that a safe family home can be provided.

The Department of Human Services supported the intent of this bill. The Judiciary submitted comments.

Your Committee acknowledges the bond between a child and parent and recognizes the rights of parents to raise their children if they are capable of providing a safe and nurturing home for the child.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 871 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Judiciary.