Criminal Justice

passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 1, 2026

SB 2575: RELATING TO FIREARMS.

Changes from a misdemeanor to a class C felony the penalty for possessing, controlling, or transferring ownership of any firearm or ammunition by a person who is restrained by court order from contacting, threatening, or physically abusing any person. Changes from a misdemeanor to a class B felony the penalty for carrying a firearm while under the influence of a controlled substance. Establishes unlawful possession of methamphetamine while carrying a firearm as a class B felony. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory minimum sentences for firearm possession during felony prosecutions, expanding criminalization and reducing judicial discretion per bill's penalty enhancements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms Sentencing

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 282: RELATING TO UNCREWED AIRCRAFT OFFENSES.

SB 282 increases penalties for using drones (uncrewed aircraft) to assist in committing a felony. It directly affects individuals who deploy drones to aid in felony offenses, such as theft or violence. The key provision treats drone use as an aggravating factor, making the criminal penalty stricter when a drone is used to further a felony. This changes sentencing by elevating the severity of offenses where drones are involved in felony planning or execution. The bill does not alter drone usage rules generally, only the penalties for felony-related drone misuse.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for drone-assisted felonies, making sentencing harsher - aligns with 'increases mandatory sentences' indicator under oppose stance95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 2, 2026

HB 2390: RELATING TO PENALTIES.

Increases the offense of habitual property crime from a class C felony to a class B felony. Increases the sentencing structure for convictions of habitual property crime.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases felony classification and sentencing for habitual property crime, expanding criminalization and harsher penalties per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 2, 2026

HB 2465: RELATING TO CRIME.

Allows the charge of unauthorized entry into motor vehicle in the first degree to be brought as a class B felony if property damage of $750 or more occurs or the person has a previous conviction for the same offense within the past five years.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeUpgrades unauthorized entry to class B felony for property damage $750+ or prior offense, increasing criminalization and sentencing severity.90% confidence

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in committee · Hawaii · House Jan 28, 2026

HB 2074: RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY.

HB 2074 establishes a tiered penalty system for individuals who obstruct criminal investigations (hindering prosecution in the first degree). The bill sets fines and potential jail time that increase based on the severity of the original crime being obstructed - more serious underlying offenses lead to harsher penalties for the obstruction. It directly affects people who interfere with law enforcement during active criminal cases, such as by destroying evidence or intimidating witnesses. The bill is currently in early stages (pending introduction as of January 23, 2026) and has not yet been referred to a committee for review.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by increasing penalties for hindering investigations, aligning with 'oppose' indicators of harsher enforcement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement

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in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 19, 2026

HB 2092: RELATING TO OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC SERVANTS.

Elevates the offense of harassment as a misdemeanor when committed against certain public servants in connection with their performance of a governmental function. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by elevating harassment against public servants to misdemeanor, per indicators.85% confidence

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 18, 2026

SB 3281: RELATING TO GAMBLING ENFORCEMENT.

Establishes the criminal offense of promoting an illegal electronic gambling device. Authorizes civil penalties and actions relating to premises on which an illegal electronic gambling device has been used. Allows the Attorney General, any county prosecuting attorney, any county police chief, or the Director of Law Enforcement to take certain actions against places used to commit certain offenses that qualify as a nuisance. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD1)

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates new criminal offense for promoting illegal gambling devices, expanding criminalization within criminal justice enforcement framework.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Feb 11, 2026

SB 277: RELATING TO SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST MINORS.

Increases the penalty for promoting minor-produced sexual images to a felony if the person is more than 3 years older than the minor. Extends the probationary term for felony obscenity offenses. Tolls the statute of limitations for obscenity offenses during a victim's minority. Requires sex offender registration for felony obscenity offenses involving minors. (SD1)

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for sexual offenses against minors, expanding criminalization and mandatory sentencing, opposing reform efforts.90% confidence

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 23, 2026

HB 963: RELATING TO CRIMES AGAINST ELDERS.

Establishes strict liability for crimes against elders with respect to the attendant circumstance that the victim was seventy years of age or older. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD2)

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeEstablishes strict liability for elder crimes, removing intent defense and increasing sentencing severity, directly opposing criminal justice reform principles.95% confidence

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in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 19, 2026

HB 1708: RELATING TO TRAFFIC SAFETY.

Upgrades the penalties for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant while highly intoxicated, including outlining additional requirements for probation. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeClassifies highly intoxicated driving as class C felony, increasing penalties and expanding criminalization per DUI offense standards.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill increases penalties for DUI while highly intoxicated, directly enhancing traffic safety standards under transportation regulations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Traffic Safety

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