The state Senate on Thursday passed a resolution creating a new Senate Special Investigating Committee on COVID-19 with subpoena power.
This new investigative committee will supplement, if necessary, the existing informal Senate Committee on COVID-19. The Senate said the addition of this new investigative committee will give the chamber the greatest flexibility to obtain the information it needs.
The Investigating Committee will give the Senate legal authority to mandate a response from witnesses and compel records. The committee may also administer oaths and report instances of contempt. The subjects of the inquiries will be entitled to legal representation and will have the ability to legally challenge requests.
The Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 was established on March 18 to review the state’s response to the pandemic. The members of both committees are Sens. Donovan Dela Cruz, Jarrett Keohokalole, Michelle N. Kidani, Donna Mercado Kim, Sharon Moriwaki, and Kurt Fevella.