The acts of breaking and entering a building were historically part of the definition of the crime of burglary. But most states have since broadened the definition of burglary to include any entry into a building without the permission of the owner and with the intent to commit a theft, assault, or other crime inside the building. But a few states still have a distinct criminal offense of breaking and entering a building.

And some states have a similar criminal offense of forcible and unlawful entry that make it a crime to force entry into an automobile, safe, ATM, parking meter, or vending machine.

Breaking and entering laws (and related property crime laws) are usually located in a state’s penal or criminal code (statutes).

In Hawaii, burglary is defined under Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 708-810. The law has indeed broadened from the historical definition of burglary that required breaking and entering. In Hawaii, a person commits burglary if they intentionally enter or remain unlawfully in a building with the intent to commit a crime against a person or against property rights. The entry does not need to involve force or breaking; simply entering without permission with the intent to commit a crime suffices. Hawaii law distinguishes between first-degree burglary, which typically involves a dwelling and is more serious, and second-degree burglary for other buildings. Additionally, Hawaii has laws against unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle (HRS Section 708-836.5), which is similar to the concept of forcible and unlawful entry into an automobile as described. These laws are part of Hawaii's penal code and address various forms of property crime, including the broader definitions of burglary and related offenses.