← Back to search

HRS §340E-4.5

Penalties for tampering with public water systems

This law makes it a crime to tamper with, try to tamper with, or threaten to tamper with a public water system. Tampering means adding a contaminant or interfering with the system to harm people. Violators face prison, fines, and civil penalties.

everyone

The statute, as written — Tampering with public water systems, penalties

(a) Any person who tampers with a public water system, attempts to tamper with a public water system, or threatens to tamper with a public water system shall be imprisoned for not more than five years and fined an amount not exceeding $500,000. If the person is an individual, the fine shall not exceed $250,000. (b) Any person who tampers, attempts to tamper, or threatens to tamper with a public water system shall be civilly penalized not more than $50,000. (c) For the purposes of this section, the term "tamper" shall mean: (1) To introduce a contaminant into a public water system with the intention of harming persons; or (2) To otherwise interfere with the operation of a public water system with the intention of harming persons.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.