Bill > HB58

This bill amends Hawaii's criminal property damage law to expand the definition of third-degree criminal property damage to include intentionally or knowingly damaging property used in a business operation, regardless of the monetary value of the damage. The legislation responds to increasing incidents of "smash-and-grab" crimes that disproportionately burden small businesses, which often operate on thin profit margins. The bill specifically defines property "used in a business operation" to include signage, furniture, doors, windows, business-labeled vehicles, and other business-related fixtures or equipment. By creating this new category of criminal property damage, the bill aims to provide stronger legal protection for businesses and potentially create a more meaningful deterrent for property crimes against commercial entities. Previously, business property damage might have been prosecuted as a lesser offense if the damage did not exceed $500, but this amendment ensures that intentional damage to business property can be treated as a third-degree criminal property damage offense, potentially leading to more significant legal consequences for offenders.

Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=58&year=2026