Bill > HR75

This resolution urges the Hawaii Legislature to conduct mandatory inquiries into child fatalities and serious injuries involving Child Welfare Services (CWS), in response to a troubling history of systemic failures. The resolution highlights numerous cases between 1997 and 2024 where children suffered severe harm or death after interactions with the Department of Human Services (DHS), including instances of abuse, neglect, and inappropriate reunification with parents. The proposed inquiries aim to comprehensively review systemic failures, including communication breakdowns, social worker inexperience, procedural non-compliance, and insufficient resources. Drawing comparisons with other states like California and Colorado that provide more transparent reporting, the resolution seeks to mandate a thorough investigation that will identify preventative measures, ensure accountability, and establish stronger safeguards for children under DHS care. The ultimate goals are to create full transparency, enable prompt action, and potentially develop new laws that can prevent future tragedies by addressing the root causes of these systemic issues in child welfare services.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HR&billnumber=75&year=2025