2013 Hawaii Revised Statutes
TITLE 37. HAWAII PENAL CODE
707. Offenses Against the Person
707-712.7 Assault against an emergency worker.
§707-712.7 Assault against an emergency worker. (1) A person commits the offense of assault against an emergency worker if the person, during the time of a civil defense emergency proclaimed by the governor pursuant to chapter 128, within the area covered by the civil defense emergency or during the period of disaster relief under chapter 127:
(a) Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes serious or substantial bodily injury to an emergency worker; or
(b) Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to an emergency worker with a dangerous instrument.
(2) Assault against an emergency worker is a class B felony. [L 2006, c 116, §2]
COMMENTARY ON §707-712.7
Act 116, Session Laws 2006, added this section, which classifies assault on an emergency worker, causing substantial bodily injury or with a dangerous weapon, as a class B felony. Act 116 penalized the commission of certain crimes during a time of a civil defense emergency proclaimed by the governor or during a period of disaster relief. The legislature found that Hurricanes Katrina and Rita created situations that highlighted the prevalence of opportunistic crimes that can occur during these times. When resources are needed to restore law and order, emergency response aid to victims may be hampered or delayed, leaving victims at an increased risk of bodily injury or death. Stronger measures to control law and order may deter looting and other crimes. House Standing Committee Report No. 757-06, Senate Standing Committee Report No. 3302, Conference Committee Report No. 64-06.
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