HB 1014 Summary

• Adds five new statutory definitions to Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 88-21 clarifying terms for service-connected disability and accidental death benefits: "accident," "actual performance of duty," "definite and exact time and place," "incapacitated for duty," and "occupational hazard."

• Defines "accident" as a single traumatic, unlooked-for mishap that is not expected, not a routine job risk, interrupts normal duties, and directly causes permanent incapacity or death—excluding medical conditions and unexpected results of routine performance.

• Establishes that permanent incapacity or death caused primarily by natural deterioration or progression of pre-existing conditions does not qualify as service-connected disability or accidental death unless the pre-existing condition itself was caused by an occupational hazard.

• Shifts burden of proof to members/applicants claiming disability or accidental death benefits to prove by preponderance of evidence that their incapacity or death was not primarily caused by pre-existing conditions.

• Applies to applications and claims filed after the effective date of June 30, 3000, and does not affect rights and duties that matured before the effective date.