THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2253
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026		S.D. 2
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO HIGHWAY SAFETY.

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

SECTION 1. Section 707-705, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§707-705 Negligent injury in the first degree. (1) A person commits the offense of negligent injury in the first degree if [that] the person causes:

(a) Serious bodily injury to another person by the operation of a vehicle in a negligent manner; [or]

(b) Substantial bodily injury to a vulnerable user by the operation of a [[]vehicle[]] in a negligent manner[.]; or

(c) Substantial bodily injury to another person by the operation of a vehicle in a negligent manner while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

(2) Negligent injury in the first degree is a class C felony.

(3) A conviction and sentence under subsection (1)(c) shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any conviction and sentence for any offense under this chapter or chapter 291E; provided that the sentence imposed under this section may run concurrently or consecutively with the sentence of the other offense.

(4) Each instance of substantial bodily injury to another person under subsection (1)(c) shall constitute a separate offense."

SECTION 2. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Package; Criminal Offenses; Negligent Injury

Description:

Amends the offense of negligent injury in the first degree to include injuries negligently inflicted by intoxicated drivers. Effective 7/1/2026. (SD2)

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