Hawaii Laws
Here are some laws that everyone must obey. If someone is violating the law, contact the police to keep our community safe.
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DO NOT LITTER
Caring for the land is important so we can continue to live in a beautiful state that has clean beaches, clean parks, and clean neighborhoods. Leaving rubbish (paper, plastic, bottles, cans, spitting tobacco, cigarettes, etc.) in public places is called “littering.” A person can be fined by the court for littering. Place all rubbish in trash cans.
DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL IN PUBLIC
A person can be arrested by the police and incarcerated (put in jail) for drinking alcohol (beer or liquor) in public (outside of your home, in the park, at the beach, on the street, in your vehicle).
PERSONS UNDER AGE 21 CANNOT DRINK ALCOHOL (UNDERAGE DRINKING)
A person under the age of 21 can be arrested by the police and incarcerated (put in jail) for drinking or possessing alcohol (beer or liquor). A person who buys alcohol for or gives alcohol to a person under the age of 21 can be arrested by the police and incarcerated.
DO NOT POSSESS DANGEROUS WEAPONS
IN PUBLIC
A person can be arrested by police and incarcerated (put in jail) for the possession of a dangerous weapon, including knives and guns, in public or in a vehicle (car, truck, or van).
DO NOT POSSESS, USE, OR SELL ILLEGAL DRUGS
A person can be arrested by the police and incarcerated (put in jail) for the possession, use, or sale of illegal drugs (including marijuana, crystal methamphetamine, or cocaine). Encourage a family member who has a drug problem to get drug treatment.
TOBACCO SALES TO MINORS ARE ILLEGAL
Chewing or smoking tobacco and second hand smoke are bad for your health and can lead to heart disease and cancer. Tobacco sales to minors (children under the age of 18) are illegal.
CURFEW FOR CHILDREN
Children under the age of 16 cannot be in a public place without adult supervision between the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. A child who is in a public place without an adult during these hours can be arrested by the police.
CHILDREN MUST GO TO SCHOOL (TRUANCY)
All children and teens (between the ages of 5 years to 18 years) must attend school. Not attending school or being absent from school without permission from the school is called truancy. A child or teen and his or her parent or guardian can be arrested by the police and disciplined by the school and Family Court for truancy. It is important to contact the school if your child will be absent. It is also important to talk to your child’s teacher regularly and to make sure that your child is doing well in school.
CHILDREN MUST NOT RIDE IN THE BACK OF A PICK-UP TRUCK
Children 12 years of age or younger cannot ride in the back or bed of a pick-up truck unless an emergency exists.