Legislative Advocacy

Public Policy

How is HSCADV involved in public policy?

HSCADV tracks all bills relating to domestic violence in Hawaiʻi, submits testimonies, and advocates for legislation that protects survivors of domestic violence and their families. The legislative session begins on the third Wednesday of January and runs until the end of April. Please view the full legislative calendar and keep an eye out for future updates from HSCADV.

Policy Agenda

HSCADV is committed to advocating for the health and well-being of survivors, their families, and service providers through public policy. We have launched the first legislative policy agenda in the coalition’s recent history to be introduced to the entire legislature on opening day.

Policy Platform

HSCADV takes a systematic approach to assessing and preventing domestic violence, as effects can span a lifetime and even many generations. We aim to increase prevention efforts and reduce revictimization while connecting survivors to relevant resources aiding autonomy. We conduct these efforts in a trauma-informed manner to serve each person’s individual needs and avoid re-traumatization. The following is a list of HSCADV’s positions on certain legislative areas of interest relating to domestic violence.

Accountability for Abusive Actions

We oppose any legislation that does not hold those who cause harm accountable.

Confidentiality

We oppose any legislation that weakens current confidentiality and privilege statutes or causes the potential to breach confidentiality or endanger survivors, their families, or the programs that serve them.

Economic Justice

We support efforts that promote the economic stability of survivors and their families.

Education and Prevention

We encourage funding of prevention efforts to reduce violence and promote community healing.

Firearms

We work to address firearm legislation that indirectly and directly impacts survivors and their families.

Funding

We support efforts to increase funding for domestic violence services that reflect the true cost of providing services to the community.

Housing

We support policies that create safe and affordable housing for survivors.

Immigration

We support policies that affirm the constitutional protections of every person, regardless of documentation or immigration status. We also promote trauma-informed and culturally responsive measures that meet the needs of all immigrant survivors.

LGBTQ+

We recognize that several aspects of domestic violence are unique to the LGBTQ+ community which may make someone less likely to seek help. We support legislation that increases awareness, prevention, and intervention of domestic violence in this population and increases the competent services available to them.

Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Filipino, and Indigenous Persons

We recognize that indigenous populations and people of color are at an increased risk of experiencing domestic violence compared to non-indigenous counterparts. We support legislation for the advancement of Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Filipino communities and strive to reverse the effects of historical trauma, colonization, imperialism, and the dispossession of land, as it pertains to domestic violence survivors.

Racial Equity

We support efforts that center the needs of those impacted by racism.

Reproductive Justice

We support legislation that promotes access to contraception, women’s health, and reproductive healthcare for survivors.

Sexual Assault

We recognize the unique intersection between domestic violence and sexual assault. We support efforts to reduce the prevalence of and improve survivor-centered responses to sexual assault.

Other Coalitions We Support

Hawaii Children's Action Network Speaks!

Hawaiʻi Housing Affordability Coalition (HIHAC)

Resources

Check out the following resources to keep up-to-date on legislative issues:

State of Hawaiʻi Legislative Reference Bureau Public Access Room (PAR) – Free resource providing the general public with information on the state legislative process. Information on the current legislative session, tips on engaging in local politics, and more can be found. Contact the PAR via phone and email; no walk-in services.
Hawaiʻi State Legislature – Create an account and sign up to keep track of bills, hearings, and testimonies.
Honolulu City Council navigation portal – submit testimony and search measures here.