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HRS §707-712

When hurting someone becomes a crime

This law defines third-degree assault as causing bodily injury to someone, either on purpose, knowing it might happen, or carelessly, or by being negligent with a dangerous weapon. It is a misdemeanor, but if it happens in a mutual fight, it is a lesser petty misdemeanor.

everyone

The statute, as written — Assault in the third degree

(1) A person commits the offense of assault in the third degree if the person: (a) Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another person; or (b) Negligently causes bodily injury to another person with a dangerous instrument. (2) Assault in the third degree is a misdemeanor unless committed in a fight or scuffle entered into by mutual consent, in which case it is a petty misdemeanor.
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.