HB1063 amends Hawaii’s second-degree assault statute to add National Guard members to the list of protected persons. Under the bill, a person commits assault in the second degree if they intentionally or knowingly cause bodily injury to a National Guard member who is engaged in the performance of duty. The bill defines “National Guard member” broadly to include members serving under an order or call of the Governor, the President of the United States, or another proper authority as provided by law.
The practical effect is to place assaults against National Guard members on duty into the same felony category already applied to assaults against other protected workers and public safety personnel under section 707-711, Hawaii Revised Statutes. The bill also includes standard retroactivity language stating it does not affect rights, penalties, or proceedings that arose before the effective date, and it would take effect upon approval.
Impact
HB1063 would amend section 707-711 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, which defines assault in the second degree, by adding a new protected class for National Guard members performing duty. This would make intentional or knowing bodily injury to an on-duty National Guard member a class C felony under Hawaii law, aligning their protection with that afforded to correctional workers, educational workers, emergency medical services providers, firefighters, health care workers, and other specified groups.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or opposition in the available materials. Based on the bill text and report description, the measure appears straightforward and protective in nature, with an apparent policy goal of recognizing National Guard service as deserving of enhanced criminal protection. The absence of recorded controversy suggests the bill was presented as a targeted public-safety measure rather than a broad or divisive policy change.
Contention
The main policy issue is whether National Guard members should be added to the list of persons whose assault is elevated to second-degree assault, thereby increasing criminal penalties for offenders. Any contention would likely center on the scope of the new protected class and whether the felony enhancement is necessary or should be limited to specific duty contexts. No specific objections, amendments, or opposing viewpoints are included in the provided record.