HI HR43

Establishes a working group to study, review, and revise the definition of murder in the first degree in Hawaii law.

Working group composition includes two House members appointed by the Speaker, a representative from the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney's Office, a representative from the Attorney General's Office, and two victim advocates appointed by the Speaker.

Working group must hold at least two meetings prior to the 2016 regular legislative session and submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature and House Judiciary Committee at least 20 days before the 2016 session convenes.

Addresses the gap in existing Hawaii law where killing someone in an especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel manner does not automatically constitute murder in the first degree, unlike in several other states.

Working group dissolves on January 1, 2016, and members are exempt from Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 84 (ethics laws) solely for their participation in the group.