Bill > SB871

This bill seeks to strengthen Hawaii's arson laws by introducing several key provisions to improve public safety and hold arson offenders more accountable. The legislation enhances penalties for individuals with previous arson convictions by allowing additional five-year imprisonment terms for repeat offenders across different degrees of arson (first through fourth degree). The bill also introduces mandatory victim restitution, requiring defendants to compensate victims for property damages resulting from their offense. Furthermore, the law creates new penalties for arson committed in vulnerable areas like schools, hospitals, or living facilities, which can trigger an additional five-year imprisonment term. The bill expands the classification of arson in the fourth degree to include acts committed during red flag warnings (high fire risk weather conditions) or in vulnerable areas, potentially elevating such offenses from misdemeanors to class C felonies. Additionally, the legislation mandates that convicted arsonists perform community service related to public awareness, firefighting education, or rehabilitation of affected areas. The bill was motivated by the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires and aims to provide more robust legal tools to prevent and punish dangerous fire-setting behavior, ultimately protecting public safety, property, and critical infrastructure.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=871&year=2026