HI HB12

Adds a new offense to Hawaii's assault in the second degree statute (HRS § 707-711) making it a class C felony to intentionally or knowingly cause bodily injury to retail mercantile establishment owners, employees, or agents enforcing COVID-19 health or safety requirements.

Defines "retail mercantile establishment" according to HRS § 663-2(b) and establishes prima facie evidence of the defendant's knowledge of the victim's retail employment status if the victim identifies themselves, wears identifying clothing or name tag, or performs typical retail tasks like greeting customers or operating a cash register.

Addresses retail workers' vulnerability to violence when enforcing government-mandated COVID-19 measures including face coverings and physical distancing requirements that businesses were forced to enforce due to insufficient law enforcement action.

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