HI SB521

Amends Hawaii emergency management statutes to explicitly include pandemics as a type of emergency and hazard requiring preparedness, response, and mitigation of social and economic consequences.

Creates new offense of "interference with an essential worker" during a governor or mayor-proclaimed emergency, making it a class C felony (or class B felony if assault is involved) to intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly harass, intimidate, verbally abuse, or assault an essential worker performing duties.

Defines "essential worker" to include employees in air and ground transportation, construction, defense, law enforcement, energy, food and agriculture, grocery, healthcare, hospitality, information technology, telecommunications, retail, and water sectors, plus any other person deemed essential by the governor or mayor.

Updates emergency management definitions to clarify that "disaster relief" includes efforts to mitigate social and economic consequences and that "materials" includes personal protective equipment.

Takes effect upon approval.