ACTION ALERT: HB1961 HD2 SD1 – New Criminal Penalties Near Health Care Facilities

ACTION: This bill is now sitting on the desk of Governor Green.  Now is the time to raise your voice!

HB1961 SD1  would create a new criminal offense for “interfering” with access to a health care facility. While everyone agrees that violence, threats, and physical obstruction are wrong, this bill goes further by creating additional criminal penalties — including mandatory jail time — and new civil lawsuits against individuals.

Under this bill:

• A first offense would require at least 24 consecutive hours in jail.
• Repeat offenses would carry longer mandatory jail terms.
• Facilities, employees, property owners, and patients could file lawsuits — even without proving financial damages.
• The Attorney General would be authorized to seek court orders and additional penalties.

Blocking entrances and threatening people are already illegal under current Hawaiʻi law. This measure adds new layers of criminal and civil liability, including for conduct deemed “reckless,” which raises concerns about how broadly it could be applied.

Lawmakers should ensure that any legislation in this area is narrowly tailored, protects constitutional rights, and does not duplicate existing criminal laws.

TAKE ACTION NOW

The bill is sitting on the desk of Governor Green.

• Pray for our Governor as he considers this, and other, important issues facing Hawaii's families.
• Contact THE GOVERNOR and politely ask him to VETO HB1961 SD1
• Click here for more information and to see our talking points.