Informing the Legislature that on July 5, 2024, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2526 HD2 SD1 (ACT 212).

This bill, known as Act 212, amends Hawaii's motor vehicle laws to impose stricter penalties on individuals who commit repeat offenses involving unauthorized driving or vehicle operation. Specifically, it classifies a third or subsequent violation within a five-year period as a class C felony, which carries significantly heavier criminal consequences than previous offenses. Additionally, the law authorizes courts to order the forfeiture of the vehicle used during the commission of these repeat crimes as part of the sentencing process. The changes apply only to offenses occurring on or after July 1, 2024, and do not affect penalties for crimes committed before that date.