Bill > SB280

This bill amends Hawaii's existing law on negligent injury in the first degree by expanding the definition of the offense to explicitly include situations where a driver negligently causes bodily injury while operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Specifically, the bill adds a new subsection to Section 707-705 that makes it a class C felony to cause bodily injury to another person through negligent vehicle operation while intoxicated. Previously, the law only covered serious bodily injury or substantial bodily injury to vulnerable users, but this amendment broadens the scope to include any bodily injury when the driver is impaired. By making this change, the legislature appears to be strengthening penalties for impaired driving that results in injury, even if the injuries are not severe. The bill will take effect immediately upon approval, and it does not retroactively affect any rights, penalties, or legal proceedings that occurred before its enactment.

Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=280&year=2026