HI SB1037

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 709-906(8) to expand the definition of physical abuse constituting strangulation in domestic violence cases to include blocking the nose and mouth or applying pressure to the chest, in addition to applying pressure on the throat or neck.

Specifies that the strangulation offense applies when intentionally or knowingly causing bodily injury by impeding normal breathing or circulation of blood using any part of the body or a ligature.

Clarifies that visible bodily injury is not required to establish an offense under this subsection.

Defines "bodily injury" for purposes of this subsection as having the same meaning as in Section 707-700 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Takes effect upon approval; does not affect rights, duties, penalties, or proceedings that occurred before the effective date.