Bill > HB523

This bill modifies Hawaii's theft laws by adding a new provision that elevates theft of property or services valued at $750 or less to a second-degree theft offense if the offender has been convicted of two or more theft offenses within the five years prior to the current offense. Specifically, the bill amends Section 708-831 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes by inserting a new subsection that expands the definition of second-degree theft to include repeat offenders, even for lower-value thefts. This means that individuals with a recent history of theft convictions can be charged with a more serious crime (a class C felony) even for stealing items of relatively low value. The bill aims to create a more stringent approach to repeat theft offenders, potentially serving as a deterrent and providing enhanced legal consequences for individuals with a pattern of theft-related criminal behavior. The bill will take effect upon approval and does not impact any rights, penalties, or legal proceedings that occurred before its effective date.

Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=523&year=2026