Criminal Justice

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 2893: RELATING TO GAMBLING.

Provides that a defendant may not assert social gambling as an affirmative defense if the gambling activity occurred at the defendant's residence and gambling activities have resulted in multiple recent documented noise complaints.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRestricts defendant rights by eliminating social gambling as an affirmative defense in noise complaint cases, reducing criminal procedure protections.90% confidence

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 2249: RELATING TO BRIBERY.

SB 2249 establishes increased penalties for bribery offenses under certain circumstances. The bill specifically targets bribery by raising criminal penalties when specific conditions apply, though the abstract does not detail those conditions or identify which individuals or entities would be directly affected. Key provisions involve modifying penalty structures for bribery convictions, but the official abstract provides no further specifics on the circumstances or mechanisms. As the bill is currently pending introduction (with no committee referrals finalized), no concrete policy changes have been enacted. The summary is based solely on the provided abstract, which lacks details on affected parties or exact penalty levels.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for bribery offenses, aligning with 'oppose' indicators of strengthening punitive measures without reform elements.90% confidence

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in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 10, 2026

HB 2087: RELATING TO ABUSE OF FAMILY OR HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS.

Maintains the petty misdemeanor offense of abuse of family or household member by repealing the sunset of amendments made to sections 709-906 and 853-4, HRS, by Act 19, SLH 2020. Repeals provisions authorizing a deferred acceptance of a guilty plea for misdemeanor and petty misdemeanor abuse of family or household members offenses.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRepeals deferred plea option for abuse offenses, reducing defendant rights and strengthening accountability for abusers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SB 2517: RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY.

Amends the penalty for the unlawful possession, control, or transfer of a firearm or ammunition in violation of a valid judicial protective order or restraining order by reclassifying the offense from a misdemeanor to a class C felony. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill imposes class C felony penalty for firearm violations under protective orders, expanding criminalization of firearm possession in domestic violence contexts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · Hawaii · House Jan 30, 2026

HB 2192: RELATING TO CRIME.

Doubles the fines and terms of imprisonment for illicit drug sellers and distributors who commit their offenses within 100 feet of schools or public parks.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeDoubles fines/terms for drug offenses near schools/parks, increasing mandatory sentences and expanding criminalization per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SB 2392: RELATING TO TRAFFIC SAFETY.

Specifies that operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant while a highly intoxicated driver is a misdemeanor for a first offense, or any offense not preceded within a ten-year period. Specifies and imposes additional sentencing and probation requirements for a person convicted of a misdemeanor operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant offense. Upgrades the offense of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant while a highly intoxicated driver to a class C felony under certain conditions. Specifies and imposes additional sentencing and probation requirements for a class C felony offense of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant while a highly intoxicated driver. Prohibits a deferred acceptance of guilty plea for persons convicted of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill elevates DUI to class C felony, increasing penalties for intoxicated driving, aligning with stricter sentencing (oppose indicator)95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill strengthens traffic safety by increasing penalties for DUI, directly enhancing vehicle regulation and road safety standards within transportation policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Sentencing Driver Licensing Traffic Safety

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 417: RELATING TO CONTRACTORS.

Establishes as a class B felony the unlicensed performance of contractor work, during or within 5 years following a national emergency, state of emergency, or disaster proclamation, in an affected political subdivision. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates new class B felony for unlicensed contractor work during emergencies, expanding criminal penalties without justice reform focus.90% confidence

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 1261: RELATING TO CRIME.

Specifies that the penalty for sex trafficking shall be payment of a fine of no less than $200,000 but no more than $500,000, and a definite term of imprisonment of up to 20 years without the possibility of a suspended sentence, probation, or parole. Provides that consent to sexual conduct is not a defense. Defines "sexual conduct". Specifies that a minor who commits an offense under section 712-1207(1)(a), HRS, shall be guilty of a violation instead of a petty misdemeanor. Provides that a person who reports that the person is a victim of sex trafficking shall not be subject to criminal liability for an offense involving sex trafficking or prostitution. Increases the penalties for commercial sexual exploitation of a minor. Requires DHS to implement services and programs for survivors and training for law enforcement. Appropriates funds. Requires annual report.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeImposes mandatory 20-year sentences without parole for sex trafficking, removes consent defense, and increases fines - aligns with stricter sentencing policies opposing reform.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Law Enforcement Probation & Parole

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in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 384: RELATING TO SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST MINORS.

Increases the penalty for promoting minor-produced sexual images to a felony if the person is more than three 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. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for minor-related sexual offenses, extends probation, and requires registration, aligning with expanding criminalization and stricter sentencing indicators.92% confidence

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in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 1340: RELATING TO CRIMES AGAINST ELDERS.

HB 1340 would automatically impose stricter penalties for crimes committed against individuals aged 60 or older, regardless of the offender's intent. It directly affects anyone committing assault, abuse, or similar offenses against seniors by triggering enhanced sentencing under existing laws when the victim's age is known. The key provision modifies how courts handle such cases - requiring harsher penalties solely based on the victim's age, without needing to prove the offender targeted seniors specifically. The bill is currently pending, having been introduced in January 2025 and carried over to the 2026 legislative session.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates automatic stricter penalties for elder abuse without requiring intent, increasing mandatory sentences under criminal justice framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing Violent Crime

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