Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 2601 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require that certain documents be sealed upon filing in any action or proceeding in the circuit court having jurisdiction over matters relating to the affairs of decedents.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the measure from the Standing Committee on the Uniform Probate Code and Probate Court Practices of the Judiciary of the State of Hawaii.

This measure is intended to restrict public access to certain sensitive information about respondents in guardianship and conservatorship proceedings. This measure seeks to protect against the growing problem of identity theft by sealing the following documents that contain sensitive information:

Your Committee finds that these restrictions are necessary for the protection of the public.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2601 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.