Bill > SB1403

This bill lowers the blood alcohol content (BAC) threshold for driving under the influence (DUI) in Hawaii from 0.08 to 0.05 grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood or per 210 liters of breath. The legislation comprehensively updates multiple sections of Hawaii's Revised Statutes to reflect this new standard, modifying definitions related to "measurable amount of alcohol" and "under the influence" to align with the reduced BAC threshold. The bill changes how alcohol-related driving offenses are defined, including standard DUI and habitual DUI, such that operating a vehicle with 0.05 or more grams of alcohol per breath or blood volume will now constitute a violation. Additionally, the bill adjusts legal presumptions about alcohol impairment, creating a new framework where BAC between 0.02 and 0.05 can be considered alongside other evidence in determining whether a driver was under the influence, whereas previously 0.05 to 0.08 might have been treated differently. The changes are designed to reduce impaired driving and potentially decrease alcohol-related fatal crashes by establishing a lower threshold for legal intoxication while driving. The bill does not affect legal proceedings or penalties that began before its effective date and will take effect upon approval.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1403&year=2026