Gov. David Ige signed Senate Bill 2582, at an emotional ceremony Sunday in Nanakuli, Oahu, according to a written statement.
Gov. David Ige signed Senate Bill 2582, at an emotional ceremony Sunday in Nanakuli, Oahu, according to a written statement.
The bill authorizes the courts to extend prison terms for offenders convicted of first-degree negligent homicide, when the offender fails to render aid to the injured at the scene of an accident, from 10 years as a Class B felony to a possible 20 years.
The measure is also known as “Kaulana’s Bill,” named after 19-year old Kaulana Werner, a former Kamehameha Schools football player, who was struck and killed by a car while crossing the street near his Nanakuli home in April 2016. The alleged intoxicated driver, who didn’t stop to render aid, is charged with first-degree negligent homicide and is currently awaiting trial.
Werner’s family and friends have been supportive of the bill.
“I am signing ‘Kaulana’s Bill’ on behalf of the Werner family and all other families that have tragically lost loved ones in this senseless manner. It is my wish that this new law will not only hold offenders more accountable and potentially save lives, but also bring some small measure of comfort and closure for the Werners and other families whose lives have been touched by tragedies like this,” Ige said.
The law will take effect July 1.
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