HI HB1591

Establishes a new chapter in Hawaii law establishing the right of persons to record law enforcement activities, including through video, audio, written notes, or other recording devices.

Grants persons not under arrest or in custody an explicit right to record law enforcement activities and maintain control of recordings and recording equipment.

Persons under arrest or in custody retain the right to record law enforcement activity that occurred before their arrest or custody, and have the right to have recording equipment returned to them.

Creates a private civil right of action allowing individuals to sue law enforcement officers for unlawful interference with recording rights, including by preventing recordings, threatening recorders, commanding cessation of recording, or seizing recordings or equipment.

Allows courts to award punitive damages, injunctive relief, reasonable attorney's and expert's fees, and other appropriate remedies to prevailing plaintiffs, with a three-year statute of limitations for civil actions.