HB1461

Establishes the offense of criminal street gang participation, solicitation, recruitment, or retention in Hawaii.

This bill creates the offense of criminal street gang participation, solicitation, recruitment, or retention in Hawaii. It defines "criminal street gang" as an ongoing organization with a common name or symbol, engaging in criminal activities. The bill also enhances penalties for crimes committed by gang members. Participation in a gang is a class B felony, while solicitation, recruitment, or retention is a class C felony. The bill aims to address rising crime rates linked to gang activity.