HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	174
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

urging the judiciary to consider grandparent visitation rights when awarding visitation during custody disputes.

WHEREAS, ties created with grandparents are crucial to ensuring a sense of safety and security among children, particularly those who may have experienced traumatic life changes; and

WHEREAS, there is value in raising children in multigenerational settings, and older generations often provide a solid foundation of cultural heritage and family history for children; and

WHEREAS, grandparents are vital, permanent, and much needed caretakers for children; and

WHEREAS, during custody disputes, grandparents may find themselves estranged from their grandchildren through no fault of their own; and

WHEREAS, denial of reasonable grandparent visitation rights may cause significant harm to a child; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-first Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2022, that the Judiciary is urged to consider grandparent visitation rights when awarding visitation during custody disputes; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Judiciary is also urged, when considering awarding grandparent rights, to take into account whether grandparent visitation is in the best interest of the child and if denial of reasonable grandparent visitation rights would cause significant harm to the child; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Grandparents Rights; Visitation; Custody Disputes; Judiciary