PART X. ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES

 

Note

 

  Part heading amended by L 2008, c 154, §1.

 

Cross References

 

  Dependent elder abuse; suits by the State; civil penalties,see §28-94.

  Maximum fee for appointed counsel and guardian ad litem, see§571-87.

 

Law Journals and Reviews

 

  Holding Hawai‘iNursing Facilities Accountable for the Inadequate Pain Management of ElderlyResidents.  27 UH L. Rev. 233.

 

§346-221  Purpose; construction.  Thelegislature recognizes that citizens of the State who are vulnerable to abuseconstitute a significant and identifiable segment of the population and areparticularly subject to risks of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

The legislature recognizes that it is aperson's vulnerability, not necessarily age, which is often encountered incases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.  While advanced age alone is notsufficient reason to intervene in a person's life, the legislature finds thatmany elders have become subjects of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Substantial public interest exists to ensure that this segment of thepopulation receives protection.

The legislature declares that the State shalldevelop and promote community services for the economic, social, and personalwell-being and protection of its citizens who may be vulnerable to abuse.

In taking this action, the legislature intendsto protect vulnerable adults and place the fewest possible restrictions onpersonal liberty and to permit the exercise of constitutional rights by adultsconsistent with protection from abuse. [L 1989, c 381, pt of §1; am L 1990, c67, §8, c 144, §1, and c 234, §9; am L 2008, c 154, §3]