Hawaii House Bill HCR56

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/5/25
• Refer: 3/14/25

Caption

Requesting The Judiciary To Assess The Impact Of Increasing The Level Of The Offense Of Harassment By Stalking From A Misdemeanor To A Class C Felony.

Impact

By considering the elevation of this offense to a felony, HCR56 reflects a commitment to recognizing the severity of stalking and its potential to escalate into more violent crimes. Currently, cases of harassment by stalking can be difficult to prosecute, as they often require substantial investigative work to establish an ongoing course of conduct by the offender. Upgrading this offense to a Class C felony could provide law enforcement and judicial systems with the tools necessary to address stalking more decisively, thus helping to ensure that victims feel validated and protected. It would also potentially deter offenders, as the consequences for felony charges are significantly greater than those for misdemeanors.

Summary

HCR56 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the Thirty-Third Legislature of Hawaii, aimed at addressing the offense of harassment by stalking. The resolution requests the Judiciary to evaluate the implications of increasing the classification of harassment by stalking from a misdemeanor to a Class C felony. This legislative measure arises from the understanding that stalking is a severe crime, particularly within the context of domestic violence, where it is often part of a pattern of abuse and control exerted by perpetrators over their victims. The resolution seeks to enhance the legal framework surrounding this offense in order to improve victim safety and promote a culture of seriousness regarding stalking.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding this resolution may lie in the practical implications of enforcing such a change. While supporters may argue that reclassifying harassment by stalking as a felony better protects victims and recognizes the serious nature of the crime, opponents might raise concerns regarding the resources required for enforcement and the implications for minor incidents that might be classified under this new felony level. Additionally, there may be apprehensions regarding the potential for disproportionate impacts on certain communities or individuals, thus requiring careful consideration of how such changes are implemented in practice.