REQUESTING THE JUDICIARY TO ASSESS THE IMPACT OF INCREASING THE LEVEL OF THE OFFENSE OF HARASSMENT BY STALKING FROM A MISDEMEANOR TO A CLASS C FELONY.

HCR 56 is a resolution requesting the Hawaii Judiciary to study the potential impact of upgrading "harassment by stalking" from a misdemeanor to a Class C felony offense. It does not change the law but asks the Judiciary to assess how this classification shift would affect victim safety, resource allocation, and legal outcomes. The resolution specifically cites stalking's role as a precursor to violence and its common use in domestic abuse contexts. The Judiciary must report findings and recommendations to the Legislature by January 2026. This is a procedural request for analysis, not a legislative change.