Report Title:

Witness qualifications; nonverbal expression

Description:

Clarifies that a witness can express himself or herself verbally or nonverbally as long as the meaning is understood.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	517
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to witnesses.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Section 626-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending rule 603.1 to read as follows:

     "Rule 603.1  Disqualifications.  A person is disqualified to be a witness if the person is (1) incapable of expressing oneself, either verbally or nonverbally, so as to be understood, either directly or through interpretation by one who can understand the person, or (2) incapable of understanding the duty of a witness to tell the truth."

     SECTION 2.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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