HI HB1775

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 703-309 to establish specific types of physical force that are unjustifiable when used to discipline minors, including throwing, kicking, burning, biting, cutting, striking with a closed fist, and shaking a minor under three years of age.

Prohibits striking on the face and any actions resulting in non-accidental injury to a minor less than eighteen months of age, interfering with breathing, and threatening with a deadly weapon.

Specifies that these prohibited force types are unjustifiable when likely to cause bodily harm greater than transient pain or minor temporary marks.

Maintains existing justifications for reasonable force used by parents, guardians, teachers, and other persons responsible for minors' care, provided it meets the standards outlined in the amended statute.

Takes effect on July 1, 2012.