Hawaii House Bill HB1509

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/22
• Refer: 1/26/22

Caption

Relating To Law Enforcement.

Impact

The proposed legislation amends the Hawaii Revised Statutes to outright ban no-knock warrants. It mandates that officers announce their office and purpose in an audible manner before entering a premises and establishes a thirty-second wait time prior to forcibly entering unless exigent circumstances prevent it. This change intends to ensure that residents are aware of law enforcement's presence and intentions, effectively increasing transparency and reducing the potential for violent confrontations during warrant execution.

Summary

House Bill 1509 seeks to regulate the use of no-knock warrants, which allow law enforcement to enter a dwelling without knocking or announcing their presence. The bill is introduced amid growing concerns about police conduct during such raids, notably following high-profile incidents like the death of Breonna Taylor in 2020. The bill emphasizes the necessity of balancing effective law enforcement with the rights and safety of residents, aiming to enhance accountability within law enforcement agencies across Hawaii.

Contention

The bill's approach to regulating no-knock warrants could create points of contention among law enforcement agencies who argue that such regulations could hinder their ability to act swiftly in urgent situations. On the other side, advocates for police reform argue that the bill is necessary for enhancing public safety and protecting the rights of citizens. The requirement of officers to wear activated body cameras while serving warrants also introduces discussions about privacy and operational effectiveness, as well as the implications of filming sensitive situations.