New state law extends statute of limitations for bribery offenses

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Gov. Josh Green signed a bill into law Friday aimed at combatting corruption and improving accountability for Hawaii leaders.

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Senate Bill 2494 extends the statute of limitations for bribery offenses, which are considered Class B felonies, to nine years.

Previously, bribery cases had to be prosecuted within three years, or six years under certain circumstances.

“This legislation represents meaningful progress toward ensuring accountability across all levels of government,” Green said. “When we provide our system the necessary tools to pursue justice, we reaffirm our commitment to leading with integrity.”

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The goal of lengthening the statute of limitations is to allow for corruption cases to have enough time to complete thorough investigations and prosecutions.

“Crimes should not go unpunished because of the passage of time,” said State Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, who serves as chair of the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee. “This bill preserves accountability in government at a moment when the public demands it.”

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Senate Bill 2494 passed the State House and Senate unanimously.