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HRS §712-1216

What counts as proof in child pornography cases

This section explains what evidence can be used in court for certain child pornography crimes. If someone did the act described in another law, that fact can be used as proof they knew what the material was. Also, if the person involved was a minor, that can be used as proof the defendant knew they were a minor.

courts

The statute, as written — Promoting pornography; prima facie evidence

(1) The fact that a person engaged in the conduct specified by section 712-1215 is prima facie evidence that the person engaged in that conduct with knowledge of the character and content of the material disseminated or the performance produced, presented, directed, participated in, exhibited, or to be exhibited. (2) In a prosecution under section 712-1215, the fact that the person: (a) To whom material pornographic for minors was disseminated; (b) To whom a performance pornographic for minors was exhibited; (c) To whom an admission ticket or pass was sold to premises where there was or was to have been exhibited such performance; or (d) Who was admitted to premises where there was or was to have been such performance, was at that time, a minor, is prima facie evidence that the defendant knew the person to be a minor.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

Sections this one refers to

§712-1215 Giving pornographic material to minors is a crime

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