Law eases custody process for deployed soldiers

 A new Hawaii law establishes procedures that will ease custody and visitation cases in state Family Court involving deployed service members.

The law, signed by Gov. Linda Lingle, will permit deployed parents to participate in a custody hearing electronically, such as via telephone, video conference or other means a judge deems reliable.

It also clarifies that deployments shall not be the sole factor in determining custody, and that awarding custody shall be in relation to all factors.

The new law takes effect Aug. 1.