summary
Introduced
01/26/2026
01/26/2026
In Committee
02/18/2026
02/18/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Establishes an exemption from mediation in parentage proceedings where there are allegations of domestic abuse. Clarifies the exemption from mediation in divorce proceedings as it relates to domestic abuse. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
AI Summary
This bill amends existing Hawaii law to create an exemption from mandatory mediation in parentage proceedings when domestic abuse is alleged, meaning a party alleging domestic abuse cannot be forced to participate in mediation against their will unless they consent and the mediation is conducted by a mediator trained in domestic abuse and in a way that protects the victim's safety. The bill also clarifies and strengthens this exemption for divorce proceedings, specifically addressing allegations of domestic abuse, and allows parties to have an attorney or other designated individual accompany them to mediation. "Domestic abuse" is defined as having the same meaning as in section 586-1 of Hawaii Revised Statutes, which generally refers to abuse between family or household members. The bill aims to ensure the safety of individuals alleging domestic abuse by giving them more control over their participation in mediation processes related to determining parentage and divorce.
Committee Categories
Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice
Sponsors (35)
Terez Amato (D)*,
Della Belatti (D)*,
Cory Chun (D)*,
Luke Evslin (D)*,
Tina Grandinetti (D)*,
Daisy Hartsfield (D)*,
Mark Hashem (D)*,
Linda Ichiyama (D)*,
Greggor Ilagan (D)*,
Kim Iwamoto (D)*,
Kirstin Kahaloa (D)*,
Jeanné Kapela (D)*,
Susan Keohokapu-Lee Loy (D)*,
Darius Kila (D)*,
Matthias Kusch (D)*,
Trish La Chica (D)*,
Michael Lee (D)*,
Nicole Lowen (D)*,
Lisa Marten (D)*,
Scot Matayoshi (D)*,
Lauren Matsumoto (R)*,
Dee Morikawa (D)*,
Ikaika Olds (D)*,
Amy Perruso (D)*,
Mahina Poepoe (D)*,
Julie Reyes Oda (R)*,
Jackson Sayama (D)*,
Garner Shimizu (R)*,
Kanani Souza (R)*,
Gregg Takayama (D)*,
Jenna Takenouchi (D)*,
Adrian Tam (D)*,
David Tarnas (D)*,
Shirley Ann Templo (D)*,
Kyle Yamashita (D)*,
Last Action
The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 9 Ayes: Representative(s) Tarnas, Poepoe, Cochran, Hashem, Kahaloa, Sayama, Takayama, Garcia, Shimizu; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Belatti. (on 02/25/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1962&year=2026 |
| HB1962_HD1_TESTIMONY_JHA_02-25-26_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/Testimony/HB1962_HD1_TESTIMONY_JHA_02-25-26_.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/HB1962_HD1_.HTM |
| Committee Report HB1962_HD1_HSCR371-26_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/CommReports/HB1962_HD1_HSCR371-26_.pdf |
| HB1962_TESTIMONY_HSH_02-10-26_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/Testimony/HB1962_TESTIMONY_HSH_02-10-26_.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/HB1962_.HTM |
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