A bill to increase penalties for crimes against senior citizens was signed into law by Governor David Ige today during a ceremony at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol.
This measure was developed through a collaborative effort between the legislature’s Kūpuna Caucus and the various county prosecutors.
“We have seen way too many crimes against our kupuna who are vulnerable to assault, theft and financial abuse,” said Senator Sharon Moriwaki (Senate District 12 - Waikīkī, Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, McCully, Mō‘ili‘ili), co-convener of the Senate Kūpuna Caucus. “This bill will protect them by enhancing penalties for these crimes against our elders.”
HB 490 will enhance safeguards for kūpuna by proposing an increase in penalties for intentional crimes against seniors 60 years of age and above, including intentional bodily injury, unauthorized entry into a dwelling, theft, or forgery.
“Our kūpuna deserve to feel safe in our local community and we must have these additional protections in place as a deterrent for any bad actors,” said Representative Troy Hashimoto (House District 8- Wailuku, Waihe‘e, Waiehu), co-convener of the House Kūpuna Caucus. “If anyone decides to hurt or take advantage of our seniors, they will face harsher punishment.”
The Kūpuna caucus consists of 53 Senate and House members, various state and county government agencies, community senior service providers and advocacy groups such as the Kokua Council and AARP.