Senate approves tougher domestic abuse protective orders bill after emotional floor remarks

The Hawaii State Senate approved SB 2295, House Draft 2, relating to domestic abuse protective orders on final reading by a vote of 23-0 during the legislative session.

Senator DeCourte urged colleagues to vote in support, framing the bill as a response to systemic failures in protecting victims of domestic violence. "S B 2 9 5 s d 1 h d 2 is more than a piece of paper, it's a promise," she said on the floor, adding that the measure represents "a promise that lawmakers will no longer look the other way when victims cry out for help." Senator DeCourte named a specific victim, Teresa Cachuela, and asked colleagues to pass the bill "for Teresa, and for every single person she represents."

The bill received unanimous support on final reading; the clerk recorded 23 ayes. Senators signaled final consent without additional debate and the presiding officer announced that SB 2295, HD 2, "passes final reading."

Members of Teresa Cachuela's family were present in the gallery and were introduced during the session. Senator DeCourte introduced Lucita Nihoa Annie, identified as the mother of Teresa Cachuela, and Teresa's sister, Ginger Lagat, acknowledging their advocacy with domestic violence service organizations and their participation in the legislative process.

The floor remarks emphasized accountability for violations of protective orders and described the bill as strengthening enforcement and consequences; the transcript records those emphases in floor debate. The Senate took no further amendments on final reading.

The Senate's action on SB 2295 was recorded as final passage; the clerk's roll showed 23 members present and voting in favor.