HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2465
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to crime.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that unauthorized entry into motor vehicles has become a pervasive and costly crime affecting residents, workers, and visitors throughout the State. Vehicle break-ins frequently result in significant property damage, including broken windows damaged locks, and other destruction that imposes substantial financial burdens on victims.

The legislature further finds that the cost of repairing damage caused by vehicle break-ins in Hawaii is often substantial, particularly due to labor and parts costs, and that existing penalties do not adequately distinguish between minor, non-destructive conduct and break-ins that cause serious economic harm.

The legislature recognizes that clear and proportionate criminal penalties are necessary to deter destructive conduct, promote accountability, and ensure fair and consistent enforcement of the law. Providing a defined threshold for enhanced penalties based on the value of the property damage promotes transparency, reduces ambiguity, and aligns punishment with the severity of the harm caused.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to strengthen deterrence against vehicle break-ins that result in significant property damage, while ensuring that criminal penalties remain proportionate, clearly defined, and fairly applied.

SECTION 2. Section 708-836.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§708-836.5 Unauthorized entry into motor vehicle in the first degree. (1) A person commits the offense of unauthorized entry into motor vehicle in the first degree if the person intentionally or knowingly enters or remains unlawfully in a motor vehicle, without being invited, licensed, or otherwise authorized to enter or remain within the vehicle, with the intent to commit a crime against a person or against property rights.

(2) Unauthorized entry into motor vehicle in the first degree is a class C felony, except as provided in paragraph (3).

(3) Unauthorized entry into motor vehicle in the first degree may be brought as a class B felony if:

(a) The unauthorized entry resulted in property damage to the motor vehicle in an amount of $500 or more, and the person intentionally or recklessly caused such damage; or

(b) The person has been previously convicted of unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle within the prior five years.

For the purposes of this section:

"Property damage" means physical damage to the motor vehicle requiring repair or replacement including, but not limited to, the breaking or damaging of windows, windshields, locks, doors, ignition components, or other vehicle parts."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Unauthorized Entry; Motor Vehicle; Property Damage; Felony

Description:

Allows the charge of unauthorized entry into motor vehicle in the first degree to be brought as a class B felony if property damage of $750 or more occurs or the person has a previous conviction for the same offense within the past five years.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.