S.B. NO. 1037
SECTION 1. Section 709-906, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (8) to read as follows:
“(8) Where the physical abuse consists of intentionally or knowingly causing bodily injury by impeding the normal breathing or circulation of the blood by:
(a) Applying pressure on the throat or the neck, with any part of the body or a ligature;
(b) Blocking the nose and mouth; or
(c) Applying pressure to the chest,
abuse of a family or household member is a class C felony; provided that infliction of visible bodily injury shall not be required to establish an offense under this subsection.
For the purposes of this subsection, “bodily injury” shall have the same meaning as in section 707-700.”
HI. REV. STAT. § 709-906(1), (8). ABUSE OF FAMILY OR HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS; PENALTY
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person, singly or in concert, to physically abuse a family or household member or to refuse compliance with the lawful order of a police officer under subsection (4). The police, in investigating any complaint of abuse of a family or household member, upon request, may transport the abused person to a hospital or safe shelter.
For the purposes of this section:
“Family or household member”:
(a) Means spouses or reciprocal beneficiaries, former spouses or reciprocal beneficiaries, persons who have a child in common, parents, children, persons related by consanguinity, and persons jointly residing or formerly residing in the same dwelling unit.
(8) Where the physical abuse consists of intentionally or knowingly impeding the normal breathing or circulation of the blood of the family or household member by applying pressure on the throat or the neck, abuse of a family or household member is a Class C felony.