HI HB2591

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 706-662 to add "homeless" as a protected category for extended terms of imprisonment when a defendant inflicts serious or substantial bodily injury upon a homeless person during the commission of specified felonies (murder, manslaughter, sexual offenses, robbery, assault, burglary, or kidnapping).

Requires that the defendant knew or reasonably should have known the victim was homeless for the extended sentencing provision to apply.

Adds "homeless status" to the existing hate crime statute (Section 706-662(6)) as a characteristic that, if the defendant intentionally selected a victim because of hostility toward that characteristic, can result in extended sentencing.

Defines "homeless" by reference to Section 346-361 of Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Takes effect upon approval and does not apply to rights, duties, penalties, or proceedings that occurred before the effective date.