Report Title:

Schools; Hazing

Description:

Creates the misdemeanor offense of hazing in all schools and colleges.

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

3070

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to hazing.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. Chapter 707, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part III to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§707- Hazing. (1) A person commits the offense of hazing if the person, being a student, intentionally or knowingly:

(a) Conspires to engage in hazing of a fellow student;

(b) Participates in hazing of a fellow student; or

(c) Commits any act that causes or is likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to any fellow student;

(2) Hazing is a misdemeanor. Notwithstanding section 706-640, a person who has been convicted of the offense of hazing may be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $100 or more than $5,000.

(3) As used in this section:

"Hazing" includes any method of initiation or preinitiation into a student organization or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm, to any student or other person attending any school, community college, college, university, or other educational institution in this State; provided that "hazing" does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions.

"Student" means any person in attendance at any public, private, parochial, or military school, community college, college, or other educational institution."

SECTION 2. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun, before its effective date.

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________