STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1659

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: S.B. No. 1382

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 1382 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE NATIONAL GUARD,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to specify that intentionally or knowingly causing bodily injury to a National Guard member who is engaged in the performance of duty is a class C felony.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Defense; Hawaiʻi National Guard; and Honolulu Police Department.

Your Committee finds that although National Guard members play a vital role in safeguarding communities during emergencies, including natural disasters and crises requiring urgent response, their duties also expose them to potential threats and harm. This measure strengthens legal protections for National Guard members, ensuring that they are shielded from assaults while carrying out their responsibilities.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1382 and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair