HI HB1738

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 708-831 to add theft of property commonly used to store personal or monetary value—including purses, handbags, and wallets—as a separate offense constituting theft in the second degree.

Addresses the Hawaii Supreme Court's State v. Cabrera decision, which requires prosecutors to prove an offender intended to steal property exceeding $750 value, making theft prosecutions difficult to sustain.

Recognizes that purses, handbags, and wallets often contain sensitive personal information beyond the victim's own data, including family members', employers', and acquaintances' information, leading to secondary victimization through fraud, identity theft, and stalking.

Makes theft of these specific storage items a felony regardless of the monetary value contained within them, intended to deter potential offenders and enhance community safety.

Takes effect upon approval and does not affect rights, duties, or proceedings that began before the effective date.