Hawaii (HI): police and working animal protection laws
Summary: Recklessly causing serious injury or death to a law enforcement animal is a Class C felony. No EMS, vest, retirement or retired care law found.
Body armor
none found.
Medical & insurance (including EMS treatment of injured K9s)
none found. Only the general emergency exemption in HRS § 471-2; K9 MEDIC state law map, verified 18 Sep 2026.
Retirement & service limits (age or service limits, handler adoption rights)
none found.
Post retirement care (retired K9 care funds)
none found.
Penalties for harming police animals (context)
HRS § 711-1109.4. Recklessly causing substantial bodily injury or death to a service or law enforcement animal on duty is a Class C felony; it also covers an owner whose dog attacks one. Restitution covers vet care and retraining or replacement. capitol.hawaii.gov
Pending or failed bills
Sources
- https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/vol14_ch0701-0853/HRS0711/HRS_0711-1109_0004.htm
- Cross state reference: K9 MEDIC state law map, verified 18 Sep 2026
- Federal backdrop (not state law): 18 U.S.C. § 1368 makes it a crime to harm a federal police animal, up to 10 years if the animal is seriously hurt or killed (Animal Legal & Historical Center).