Hawaii Proposes Seizing Property over Misdemeanors

Imagine the consequences

A new bill under consideration in Hawaii's state senate would expand asset forfeiture to include petty misdemeanors.  Under Hawaii state law, petty misdemeanors are usually punished by up to 30 days in jail and/or $1,000 in fines.  But if SB 1342 passes, petty misdemeanors would join murder and theft as offenses that are subject to property forfeiture.  It would also raise a ton of new legal questions: for disorderly conduct, could stereos and iPods be seized if someone's music is too loud?  Could someone lose his car if he is caught speeding or driving under the influence?