H.B. 2479 Summary

• Prohibits criminal charges against individuals using justifiable force to protect themselves, others, or property under Hawaii Revised Statutes sections 703-304, 703-305, or 703-306.

• Requires the State to reimburse defendants found not guilty of specified offenses (sections 707-701.5 through 707-722) when acquittal is based on justifiable use of force, covering legal fees, lost wages, and defense expenses.

• Allows courts to deny or reduce reimbursement awards if the defendant was engaged in criminal conduct substantially related to the events giving rise to the charges, with consideration of the severity of such conduct.

• Requires juries to return special verdicts identifying whether not guilty findings were based on self-defense and whether defendants were protecting themselves, others, property, or engaged in related criminal conduct.

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