Child neglect is the failure of a parent or other person with responsibility for the child to provide the food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education, and supervision necessary for the child's health, safety, and well-being. Placing the child in physically or emotionally harmful situations is also child neglect. Courts take child neglect seriously, and a parent or other person with custody of the child who is guilty of child neglect may lose custody of the child, and may face criminal charges.

In Hawaii, child neglect is addressed under Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 350-1, which defines child abuse and neglect as the acts or omissions by a parent, guardian, or custodian that have resulted in harm or a risk of harm to a child's health or welfare. This includes the failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education, or supervision necessary for a child's well-being. Hawaii law also considers placing a child in physically or emotionally harmful situations as neglect. The state's Department of Human Services is responsible for investigating reports of child neglect and taking appropriate action, which may include removing the child from the home if necessary. Courts in Hawaii take allegations of child neglect seriously and can impose a range of consequences, including the loss of custody and potential criminal charges against the responsible party. The state's focus is on the safety and well-being of the child, and interventions are designed to protect the child and, when possible, rehabilitate the family.