In the Interest of Doe Children

Opinion of the Court by

BURNS, C.J.

This is a Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 587 (1993 and Supp.2004) termination of parental rights case involving the mother (Mother) and father (Father) of the following five male children: First Son, born on September 6, 1992; Second Son, born on December 16, 1997; Third Son, born on December 16, 1997; Fourth Son, born on October 23, 2000; and Fifth Son, born on January 31, 2002.

Appeals no. 26080 and 26739 were consolidated for decision on June 1, 2005. Appeal no. 26080 pertains to the family court decision terminating Father’s parental rights with…