SB294 limits the controversial tactic of civil asset forfeiture, in other words the tactic of taking property from individuals before a conviction.
The Hawaii State House of Representatives passed SB294 by a vote of 48 to 2. We have assigned pluses to the yeas, because the act of taking an individual’s property without first gaining a conviction is a tyrannical, and highly unconstitutional practice. This is a violation of the 4th, 5th, and 8th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. This practice flaunts our right to due process, and our expectation of protection from unreasonable searches, seizures, and the levying of excessive fines.