On May 30, 2025 Governor Josh Green signed Senate Bill 281 into law. Now known as Act 147, it took effect immediately, establishing the offense of torture as a class A felony. This landmark legislation was made possible through the strong and united efforts of the Honolulu Police Department and the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney for the City and County of Honolulu, who worked as partners in advocating the bill’s passage. Both agencies recognized the urgent need for a law that directly addresses the most extreme forms of abuse—particularly against children and vulnerable individuals—highlighted by the recent tragedy of 11-year-old Azaeliyah Pili-Ah You’s death. The HPD Criminal Investigation Division, Homicide Detail, provided full testimony before the House Committee on Human Services and Homelessness in support of the measure, reinforcing the department’s shared commitment with prosecutors to better protect those who cannot protect themselves and to hold perpetrators fully accountable under the law.

Read the full media release issued by the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office: Honolulu Prosecutor’s Torture Bill Signed Into Law.

Read Act 147, Relating to Torture.

Infographics to raise public awareness of the new law: Explained: HPD Supports Landmark Hawai‘i Torture Law – Act 147 (SB 281)