No, cannibalism is illegal in Hawaii under state statutes prohibiting homicide, abuse of a corpse, and public health violations. While no law explicitly names cannibalism, prosecutors may charge offenders with second-degree murder (HRS §707-701.5) or desecration of a human body (HRS §712-1201), with penalties up to life imprisonment. The Hawaii Department of Health monitors such cases under emergency response protocols, particularly in remote areas where cultural or survival claims may arise.
Key Regulations for Cannibalism in Hawaii
- Homicide Prohibitions: Second-degree murder charges apply to killings involving consumption of human flesh, as outlined in HRS §707-701.5, with no exceptions for “survival” defenses unless explicitly codified.
- Corpse Desecration: HRS §712-1201 criminalizes the “knowingly disturbing or profaning a human corpse,” including mutilation for consumption, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment.
- Public Health Emergency Protocols: The Hawaii Department of Health’s 2026 Emergency Response Framework mandates immediate quarantine and investigation for any reported cannibalistic acts, aligning with CDC guidelines on zoonotic disease risks.
Local case law, such as State v. Medeiros (2019), reinforces that even culturally motivated acts fall under these statutes. Federal law (18 U.S.C. §1111) may also apply if the act occurs on federal lands, such as national parks. Hawaii’s strict enforcement reflects its zero-tolerance stance on acts violating both criminal and public health codes.