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Hidden camera laws by state

Hidden camera laws in Hawaii

The actual statute, in plain English — not a paraphrase of a paraphrase.

The statute

HRS § 711-1110.9 (Violation of Privacy in the First Degree)

What it prohibits

Using or installing a device to observe, record, amplify, or broadcast another person in a state of undress or engaged in sexual activity, in a private place, without consent. Amended several times (2003, 2004, 2021) to add public-place “upskirting,” device-installation conduct, and nonconsensual disclosure. A related, lesser offense (§ 711-1111) covers second-degree violations.

Penalty

Class C felony.

This is general public information, not legal advice, verified against the statute text linked below as of this writing — legislatures amend these laws periodically (Florida renamed its own statute in 2024). If this matters for a real situation, read the current text yourself or talk to a lawyer: https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2022/title-37/chapter-711/section-711-1110-9/. Separately, recording audio of a conversation is governed by a different law (wiretap/eavesdropping statutes, which vary by state on whether one party or all parties must consent) — this page covers image/video capture only.

If you've actually found something, the statute matters less than what you do next: read the six steps here.

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Other states

South CarolinaS.C. Code § 16-17-470 (Eavesdropping, Peeping, Voyeurism) CaliforniaPenal Code § 647(j) TexasPenal Code § 21.15 (Invasive Visual Recording) New YorkPenal Law § 250.45 (Unlawful Surveillance, Second Degree) FloridaFla. Stat. § 810.145 — renamed “Digital Voyeurism” in a 2024 amendment Illinois720 ILCS 5/26-4 (Unauthorized Video Recording and Live Video Transmission) Pennsylvania18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 7507.1 (Invasion of Privacy) OhioOhio Revised Code § 2907.08 (Voyeurism)