So you are concluding that we can only use a paintball gun or pepper gel to deter looters when it comes to property crime? Perhaps we can use those Less-lethal launchers like byrnas or similar CO2 or PCP powered carbines to deter looters? If said criminals are not threatening to use deadly force on ourselves or our persons, at the time they are actively committing the property crime in question; we can justify using a less lethal tool as a means of deterrence?
But should things escalate and they do decide to come after us or our persons directly with the threat of deadly force or serious bodily harm; we can use our firearms, knives, machete etc to defend ourselves or our persons and be justified under Hawaii's law?
Be careful when applying logic where our state's laws and ordinances are concerned.
Let's say someone is looting your business with no intention to cause physical harm, but to merely relieve you of your inventory.
By using force, be it lethal, less than lethal, or without any type of weapon, a lawyer could argue that YOU escalated the situation which might make you the aggressor -- especially if the person is fleeing the store with bags and boxes of your property. if you had any other option to remain safe, like just being calm and letting the looter leave or finding a safe place to wait them out, then use of force when force was not a threat can be seen as being the aggressor.
In our leaders' minds, property crimes are not worth enforcing unless a Cop is right there to witness it. Therefore, no civilian should take it upon themselves to stop a property crime. It just makes matters worse.
Liberals have the mindset, "Well don't you have insurance? So, you're really aren't losing money on looting." insurance will foot the bill, so don't make it worse by trying to protect your stuff.
It's easier to comply and not intervene if you're an employee -- i.e. the merchandise isn't yours. Sure, the store may go out of business putting you out of work, but the looter isn't threatening you with imminent harm.
In short, be careful when looking into HI laws. Put yourself in the criminal's shoes and see what kinds of defenses -- logical or ridiculous -- they could use against you. Relying on the law to protect you as you protect yourself ignores a famous comment by a former HPD Chief of Police: Is it worth putting yourself through our legal system to defend yourself or your property? (paraphrased)