Hawaii Bills

signed · Hawaii · Senate Jul 9, 2024

SB 2532: RELATING TO CRIME.

Clarifies that the definition of "dwelling", as it relates to offenses against property rights, includes multi-unit buildings and connected parking or storage areas that are restricted to residents. Allows the owner of a multi-unit building, an owner of an individual unit, a property manager, or an authorized representative of the condominium association to act as a complainant for the purpose of investigating and prosecuting an offense of burglary in the first degree in a multi-unit building. (CD1)

Sharon Moriwaki (D) Henry Aquino (D) Angus McKelvey (D) Stanley Chang (D) Kurt Fevella (R) · 4 co-sponsors

signed · Hawaii · Senate Jul 9, 2024

SB 3033: RELATING TO PHYSICAL EVIDENCE.

This bill proposes to update the state law against tampering with physical evidence by changing its wording to match a standard model used in many other jurisdictions. The change directly affects individuals charged with hiding, altering, or destroying evidence in criminal cases. By adopting the Model Penal Code language, the legislation aims to provide clearer and more consistent definitions for what constitutes a crime in this area. The update does not create new offenses or alter existing penalties but rather refines the legal description of the act.

signed · Hawaii · House Jul 9, 2024

HB 1936: RELATING TO HARBOR SAFETY.

Mandates that the Department of Transportation require the securing of mooring lines from vessels to commercial docks, wharves, piers, quays, and landings to be performed by labor subject to collective bargaining. Sunsets 7/1/2028. (SD2)

signed · Hawaii · House Jul 9, 2024

HB 1953: RELATING TO THE PENAL CODE.

Requires the Judicial Council to conduct a comprehensive review of the Hawaiʻi Penal Code and to recommend proposed changes. Requires the Judicial Council to appoint an advisory committee to assist in the review, and allows the Judicial Council to also appoint a reporter and other staff as necessary. Requires the advisory committee to report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. (CD1)

signed · Hawaii · Senate Jul 9, 2024

SB 2706: RELATING TO EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS.

Establishes the Clean Slate Expungement Task Force to develop a state-initiated record clearing program. Requires the Task Force to submit reports to the Legislature. (HD1)

signed · Hawaii · Senate Jul 9, 2024

SB 3034: RELATING TO PENAL LIABILITY.

This bill modifies how intoxication defenses are handled in criminal cases by explicitly classifying them as affirmative defenses when the intoxication is not self-induced or is due to a pathological condition. Affirmative defenses allow a defendant to admit to the act but argue they should not be held criminally liable because of specific circumstances, shifting the burden of proof to the prosecution. The changes apply to individuals charged with crimes where their state of mind was affected by involuntary intoxication or medical issues rather than voluntary substance use. The legislation is set to expire on July 1, 2034, meaning it will only be in effect for a limited time.

signed · Hawaii · House Jul 9, 2024

HB 2619: RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL BIOSECURITY.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to lead and coordinate the State's invasive pest control and eradication biosecurity efforts. Establishes certain reporting requirements. Appropriates funds to the Department of Agriculture for programs and positions in agricultural biosecurity. Appropriates funds to each county as a grant-in-aid, subject to a county match, for the implementation of feral chicken control programs. (CD1)

signed · Hawaii · House Jul 9, 2024

HB 1800: RELATING TO THE STATE BUDGET.

Adjusts and requests appropriations for fiscal biennium 2023-2025 funding requirements for operations and capital improvement projects of Executive Branch agencies and programs. (CD1)

signed · Hawaii · House Jul 9, 2024

HB 1911: RELATING TO THE JUDICIARY.

This bill allocates specific funds to support the judiciary's supplemental budget for the 2023-2025 biennium. The legislation directly affects state courts and judicial operations by providing the necessary financial resources to cover their expenses during this two-year period. By appropriating these funds, the measure ensures that the judicial branch has the budgetary support required to function effectively throughout the specified timeframe.

signed · Hawaii · House Jul 9, 2024

HB 2657: RELATING TO ABUSIVE LITIGATION.

HB 2657 introduces new court procedures designed to stop and address abusive litigation practices. The bill directly affects judges, attorneys, and parties involved in legal disputes by creating specific rules to manage aggressive or unfair legal tactics. Key provisions establish judicial tools that allow courts to intervene when litigation behavior becomes excessive or intended to harass rather than resolve a genuine issue. These measures aim to streamline the legal process and reduce unnecessary burdens on the court system while taking effect on January 1, 2025.

signed · Hawaii · Senate Jul 9, 2024

SB 2439: RELATING TO LIMITATION OF ACTIONS.

Extends the statute of limitations for civil actions brought by persons subjected to sexual offenses as an adult against the person who committed the act. Allows a claim to be brought against legal entities during the two-year window period if there is a finding of gross negligence. Authorizes a court to award attorney's fees to a defendant when an accusation of sexual abuse was made with no basis in fact and with malicious intent. (CD1)

signed · Hawaii · House Jul 9, 2024

HB 1763: RELATING TO HOUSING.

Prohibits the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation from forgiving any loan made from the Rental Housing Revolving Fund unless the Corporation forecloses on the project. Amends the permitted uses of and priority for which moneys in the Rental Housing Revolving Fund are to be used. Repeals the authorization to use Rental Housing Revolving Fund to provide grants. Requires the Corporation to submit a report to the Legislature on plans to revolve funds back into the Rental Housing Revolving Fund. Applies to Rental Housing Revolving Fund applications submitted after 6/30/2024. (CD1)

Bill results