HI SB739

Expands the criminal offense of desecration under HRS Section 711-1107 to include acts committed "knowingly" in addition to "intentionally"

Simplifies the definition of "desecrate" to mean defacing, damaging, polluting, or otherwise physically mistreating any monument, structure, place, or object protected under the law

Removes the requirement that the defendant's action be committed in a way that the defendant knows will "outrage the sensibilities of persons likely to observe or discover the defendant's action"

Applies to desecration of public monuments or structures, places of worship or burial, and objects of veneration by a substantial segment of the public

Effective date is July 1, 2023