HI HB2574

Amends Hawaii Rules of Evidence to allow nonresident victims of felony property crimes to testify via live two-way video connection instead of appearing in person.

Video testimony is limited to establishing identification and ownership of stolen property, property value, lack of consent, and identification of the person(s) who took the property.

Requires the witness to remain a nonresident at the time of testimony and to testify under oath with two-way video allowing the defendant, court, and trier of fact to see each other.

Mandates that both defense and prosecution attorneys have the right to be physically present with the nonresident witness during testimony with full cross-examination rights available.

Enacted to protect Hawaii's visitor industry by facilitating testimony from tourists who are less likely to return for trial after being targeted for property crimes.