The Hawaii Digital Signature Ordinance, also known as Signaturverordnung or Sign in German, is a legislative act that regulates the use of digital signatures in the state of Hawaii. It provides a legal framework for ensuring the authenticity, integrity, and non-repudiation of electronic documents and communications. Under the Hawaii Digital Signature Ordinance, individuals and businesses can use digital signatures as a secure and legally recognized method of signing electronic documents, contracts, and transactions. This ordinance aims to facilitate the widespread adoption of digital signatures, promoting efficiency, convenience, and cost-effectiveness in electronic communications. Key aspects of the Hawaii Digital Signature Ordinance include: 1. Legal Validity: The ordinance grants digital signatures legal validity, treating them as the equivalent of traditional handwritten signatures. This ensures that digitally signed documents are admissible as evidence in legal proceedings. 2. Signature Creation Devices: The ordinance defines the requirements for secure signature creation devices, which are used to generate and store digital signatures. These devices must meet specific technical standards to ensure the integrity of the signature creation process. 3. Certification Authorities (CA's): The ordinance establishes guidelines for the operation and accreditation of Certification Authorities. CA's are trusted third-party entities responsible for issuing digital certificates that bind digital signatures to individuals or entities. 4. Certificate Revocation: The ordinance outlines procedures for revoking digital certificates in case of compromise, expiry, or other events that may render a signature invalid. Revocation ensures the ongoing integrity and validity of digital signatures. 5. Confidentiality and Integrity of Electronic Documents: The Hawaii Digital Signature Ordinance emphasizes the importance of preserving the confidentiality and integrity of digital documents. It encourages the use of encryption and other security measures to safeguard the content of electronic communications. Types of Digital Signatures under the Hawaii Digital Signature Ordinance: 1. Standard Digital Signatures: These are digital signatures that adhere to the requirements and technical standards set forth by the Hawaii Digital Signature Ordinance. They offer a level of assurance regarding the identity of the signer and the integrity of the signed document. 2. Advanced Digital Signatures: Advanced digital signatures provide additional security features beyond the standard requirements. They may incorporate multi-factor authentication, advanced encryption techniques, or biometric verification, enhancing the overall assurance and trustworthiness of the signature. Overall, the Hawaii Digital Signature Ordinance aims to promote the widespread adoption of digital signatures in Hawaii, providing a legal framework that ensures the authenticity and reliability of electronically signed documents. By enabling secure electronic transactions, this ordinance contributes to the efficiency and ease of doing business in the state.