HRS §21-15
Penalties for Contempt and Disclosure Violations
This section sets penalties for disobeying a legislative investigating committee and protects people who are harmed when the committee breaks its own rules. It also punishes unauthorized disclosure of certain information, but does not limit the legislature's own power to discipline its members or staff.
everyone
The statute, as written — Penalties
(a) A person guilty of contempt under this chapter shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than one year or both. (b) If any investigating committee fails in any material respect to comply with the requirements of this chapter, any person subject to a subpoena or a subpoena duces tecum who is injured by the failure shall be relieved of any requirement to attend the hearing for which the subpoena was issued or, if present, to testify or produce evidence therein; and the failure shall be a complete defense in any proceeding against the person for contempt or other punishment. (c) Any person other than the witness concerned or the witness' counsel who violates subsection 21-12(g) or (h) shall be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned not more than six months, or both. The attorney general, on the attorney general's own motion or on the application of any person claiming to have been injured or prejudiced by an unauthorized disclosure may institute proceedings for trial of the issue and imposition of the penalties provided herein. Nothing in this subsection shall limit any power which the legislature or either house thereof may have to discipline a member or employee or to impose a penalty in the absence of action by a prosecuting officer or court.
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