Criminal Justice (Law Enforcement)

passed · Hawaii · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 2197: RELATING TO PROPERTY.

Specifies a process by which property owners may utilize law enforcement officers to remove unauthorized individuals from dwellings. Establishes the criminal offenses of squatting and fraudulent sale or lease of residential real property. Makes the offense of criminal trespass in the first degree for a person who knowingly enters or remains unlawfully in a dwelling or in or upon the premises of a hotel or apartment building a class C felony, rather than a misdemeanor. Classifies the type of property damage typically inflicted by squatters as a form of criminal property damage in the second degree. Classifies the falsification of documentation typically performed by squatters as a form of unsworn falsification to authorities. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates criminal offenses for squatting and fraudulent property dealings, expanding criminalization of property disputes90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

Track

in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 224: RELATING TO PROPERTY RIGHTS.

Establishes a procedure for immediately removing an unlawful occupant of a dwelling or premises with assistance from law enforcement. Provides that an unlawful occupant of a dwelling or premises is civilly liable for unpaid utility bills. Provides that a person who trespasses in or upon a dwelling or premises and intentionally or knowingly damages property in an amount exceeding $999 commits a felony of criminal property damage in the second degree. Requires the Department of the Attorney General to develop, publish, and make available a complaint form to remove unlawful occupants of residential dwellings. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminal penalties by making property damage over $999 a felony, increasing criminalization rather than reforming justice.90% confidence ✗ HousingOpposes HousingBill prioritizes property owner rights by enabling swift removal of occupants and imposing penalties on trespassers, weakening tenant protections without addressing affordable housing or tenant safeguards.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Tenant Rights

Track

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

Track

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

Track

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

Track

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 21, 2026

SB 96: RELATING TO TRAFFIC CITATIONS.

Authorizes the Department of Law Enforcement to establish traffic cameras and issue a citation by mail for certain violations of traffic-related laws. Establishes that intentional destruction or damage to a traffic camera is a class C felony.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates new class C felony for damaging traffic cameras, expanding criminalization beyond typical traffic violations. Directly increases criminal penalties for non-violent property damage.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAuthorizes traffic cameras for citation enforcement, enhancing traffic safety compliance. Directly strengthens traffic code enforcement under transportation safety indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Driver Licensing Traffic Safety

Track

in committee · Hawaii · House Jan 28, 2026

HB 2076: RELATING TO ASSAULT AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.

HB 2076 defines penalties for assaulting law enforcement officers in the first degree, directly affecting individuals who commit such assaults. The bill establishes specific legal consequences for this offense, setting clear penalties without detailing exact punishments. It applies broadly to any person who physically harms or threatens an officer while they are performing duties. The bill is currently in early stages (referred to committee after introduction), focusing solely on defining the legal framework for these penalties.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill defines stricter penalties for assaulting officers, expanding criminalization and strengthening law enforcement protections without reform elements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Violent Crime

Track

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 2772: RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT.

By January 1, 2027, requires each law enforcement agency operating in the State to maintain a publicly available policy on the visible identification of law enforcement officers. Adds law enforcement officers to covered public servants who may request any government agency, person, or organization to not make publicly available on the Internet certain covered personal information.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeEnables law enforcement officers to restrict public access to personal information, potentially weakening accountability and oversight mechanisms.75% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill protects law enforcement officers' personal information from public internet disclosure, advancing data privacy safeguards for covered personal information.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Data Privacy Tags Government Transparency

Track

passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 2518: RELATING TO ASSAULT AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.

SB 2518 increases penalties for assaulting law enforcement officers in the first degree, which is the most serious category of such assault. It directly affects individuals convicted of attacking officers and strengthens legal consequences for these offenses. The bill establishes stricter sentencing requirements, including longer prison terms, for first-degree assault against police officers. This changes the current penalty structure to impose harsher punishments for this specific crime.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for assaulting officers with stricter sentencing and longer prison terms, aligning with 'oppose' indicators of harsher punishment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Sentencing Violent Crime

Track

in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 1486: RELATING TO PUBLIC ORDER.

Makes it a disorderly conduct offense to remain or loiter within twenty feet of a bus stop with no intent to utilize any bus service. Authorizes law enforcement officers to immediately remove any person committing a disorderly conduct offense of remaining or loitering within twenty feet of a bus stop with no intent to utilize any bus service and confiscate any of their personal property. Authorizes law enforcement officers to determine if the confiscated property is to be saved or discarded. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization of loitering near bus stops, authorizes property confiscation without clear due process, and increases police enforcement powers - aligning with 'expands criminalization' and 'reduces defendant rights' indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

Track