STAND. COM. REP. NO.1065-02

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2002

RE: H.R. No. 92

H.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.R. No. 92 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU TO CONDUCT A STUDY OF THE GUARDIANS AD LITEM/ATTORNEY STATUTORY FEE REQUIREMENTS TO DETERMINE IF THERE IS A MORE EFFECTIVE MODEL THAT COULD BE ADOPTED FOR HAWAII,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this resolution is to request the Legislative Reference Bureau to study practices in various jurisdictions with a view to finding an effective and economical means to compensate guardians ad litem and attorneys appointed under chapter 587, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Judiciary and the Hawaii State Bar Association.

Your Committee finds that fees expended to compensate guardians ad litem and counsel consistently exceed budgeted amounts. An analysis of compensation options could help the courts address existing problems, and ultimately will enhance delivery of legal services to needy individuals.

Your Committee has amended this measure by adding several references to "counsel" to make it clear that the review will cover attorney and guardian ad litem compensation.

 

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 92, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Finance, in the form attached hereto as H.R. No. 92, H.D. 1.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs,

 

____________________________

ERIC G. HAMAKAWA, Chair