Bill > HCR82

This resolution urges the Hawaii Legislature to conduct mandatory inquiries into child fatalities and serious injuries involving the Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Welfare Services. The resolution highlights a troubling history of nineteen child fatalities or serious injuries since 1997, detailing multiple specific cases where children were harmed despite DHS involvement, including instances of abuse, murder, and neglect. The resolution identifies four main systemic issues contributing to these tragedies: communication failures between staff and agencies, inexperienced social workers, failure to follow established procedures, and inadequate resources. It calls for the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services and House Committee on Human Services and Homelessness to conduct comprehensive reviews that examine systemic failures, resource allocation, departmental accountability, and develop measures to prevent future harm. The ultimate goal is to establish safeguards that prioritize children's safety, create transparency similar to states like Colorado, and potentially enact new laws to prevent future tragedies. The resolution also mandates that certified copies be transmitted to key legislative and administrative leaders to ensure the inquiry's recommendations receive proper attention.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HCR&billnumber=82&year=2025