Bill > HB2137

This bill aims to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by prohibiting certain harmful applications and requiring disclosures for realistic digital imitations, often referred to as "deepfakes," which are AI-generated or computer-synthesized depictions that realistically appear to portray an individual's voice, face, likeness, or performance. Specifically, it makes it unlawful to knowingly publish such imitations without consent if they are used in commercial transactions, cause harm, or are used for illegal purposes like fraud or defamation, though exceptions exist for parody, satire, commentary, political expression, and clearly disclosed news reporting. Individuals harmed by unauthorized deepfakes can pursue civil actions seeking injunctions, up to $50,000 in damages per violation, actual damages for reputational injury and emotional distress, punitive damages if malice is proven, and attorney fees. Additionally, the bill mandates that advertisements using "synthetic performers"—digitally created assets intended to impersonate a human performer without being recognizable as a specific individual—must clearly disclose their AI origin, with exceptions for expressive works like movies and TV shows, audio-only ads, and language translation, and imposes civil fines of $1,000 for a first violation and $5,000 for subsequent violations. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 3000.

Business and Industry, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2137&year=2026