Hawaii Bill Would Extend Forfeiture Actions to Petty Misdemeanors
A bill labelled “Draconian” by the county’s prosecuting attorney because it could result in government seizure of land for crimes such as harassment is being considered by the state Senate.
Senate Bill 1342 adds petty misdemeanors to the list of crimes that could trigger asset forfeiture, and also removes the current requirement that a felony offense is necessary for the seizure of real property.
Hawaii County Prosecutor Mitch Roth told Big Island Now he believes the bill goes too far.
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