Hawaii · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 2579: RELATING TO CHILD WELFARE SERVICES.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 2579 is a bill introduced in the Hawaii House on January 28, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: RELATING TO CHILD WELFARE SERVICES. Primary sponsor: Diamond Garcia (Republican), David Alcos (Republican), Joe Gedeon (Republican), Ikaika Hussey (Democratic), Lauren Matsumoto (Republican), Chris Muraoka (Republican), Elijah Pierick (Republican), Julie Reyes Oda (Republican), Garner Shimizu (Republican), Shirley Templo (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (February 2, 2026): Referred to HSH, JHA, FIN, referral sheet 6.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Requires the Department of Human Services to record any child welfare interview conducted by the Department when administering certain child welfare services. Requires the Department to store the recordings for a minimum of five years and under certain conditions. Prohibits the sharing of the recordings unless certain conditions are met. Establishes criminal penalties for violating prohibitions against sharing of the recordings.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 2 · Republican 8
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond Garcia | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 42 |
| David Alcos | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 41 |
| Joe Gedeon | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 18 |
| Ikaika Hussey | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 29 |
| Lauren Matsumoto | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 38 |
| Chris Muraoka | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 45 |
| Elijah Pierick | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 39 |
| Julie Reyes Oda | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 40 |
| Garner Shimizu | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 32 |
| Shirley Templo | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 30 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Referred to HSH, JHA, FIN, referral sheet 6
- Introduced and Pass First Reading.