HONOLULU, HI – The Department of the Attorney General’s Office of Child Support Hearings (OCSH) has announced a successful transition to conducting administrative hearings almost exclusively via video conference, a move designed to modernize operations and improve efficiency in resolving child support disputes.
The shift, which began in December 2024, marks a significant step forward in the OCSH’s efforts to provide accessible and expedient resolution of child support matters. The move involved phasing out telephone hearings that were initially implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“OCSH endeavors to resolve child support disputes fairly, impartially and expeditiously, in accordance with its mission statement,” said OCSH Supervisor Tom Tanimoto. “The transition was seamless, given the tireless efforts of all those who assisted in the project. Using video conferencing more closely mirrors in-person proceedings while still affording participants the convenience of attending remote hearings.”
The move to video conferencing offers several advantages. It allows for a more comprehensive hearing experience, enabling participants and hearing officers to better assess demeanor and evidence visually. This enhanced communication, combined with the convenience of remote participation, aims to streamline the resolution process.
To ensure inclusivity, the OCSH has provided comprehensive resources to assist participants in navigating the virtual hearing process. Step-by-step user guides for both smartphone and desktop applications, along with other hearing-related forms, are readily available on the OCSH website. Recognizing that access to technology may be a barrier for some, a telephone call-in option remains available for individuals without computer or smartphone access. Furthermore, the OCSH offers assistance with foreign language translation and other accommodations on a case-by-case basis.
The OCSH plays a crucial role in the Hawaii legal system by efficiently resolving child support matters, including the establishment, modification, and termination of child support orders, as well as determining child support arrearages. These administrative hearings, which generally involve parties not represented by legal counsel, differ from traditional family court proceedings by focusing solely on child support related issues. Decisions rendered by the presiding hearings officer are typically issued orally at the conclusion of the hearing, followed by a written order that is filed with the family court. These orders hold the same legal weight and effect as those issued by family court judges, ensuring the prompt and effective enforcement of child support obligations.
The virtual transition is expected to further improve the accessibility and efficiency of the OCSH, ultimately benefiting families and children across the state.