Bill > SB112

This bill aims to help surviving immediate family members of deceased persons obtain police investigation closing reports by establishing a clear process for requesting these documents. Specifically, the bill allows immediate family members (defined as grandparents, parents, siblings, spouses, children, or legal guardians) to request a copy of the final police report after certain conditions are met: either after criminal proceedings conclude, five years after the report's completion, or seven years after the initial incident, whichever comes first. The bill includes important protections, such as requiring the police department to redact information about minors and confidential personal details, and provides flexibility by allowing reports to be provided electronically or in paper form. The legislation was inspired by real-life examples where families faced significant challenges obtaining investigation reports, sometimes waiting over a decade to receive information about a loved one's case. The bill does not replace existing rights to access government records but instead provides a clear mechanism for families seeking closure by obtaining official documentation about investigations involving their deceased family members.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=112&year=2025