HI SB2156

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes section 708-831(1) to add theft of property commonly used to store items of personal or monetary value, including purses, handbags, or wallets, as a separate offense of theft in the second degree.

Creates a new subsection (f) establishing that stealing such containers constitutes theft in the second degree regardless of the monetary value of items contained within.

Addresses the Hawaii Supreme Court's State v. Cabrera ruling, which required prosecutors to prove intent to steal property valued over $750 to convict under the existing theft in the second degree statute.

Recognizes that purses, handbags, and wallets often contain sensitive personal information including credit cards, medical records, and personal identification that frequently leads to identity theft, fraud, and stalking.

Takes effect upon approval with no retroactive application to proceedings begun before the effective date.