Gov. Linda Lingle has signed legislation that prohibits harassing someone using electronic means, such as cell phone text messages or on social networking Web sites.

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu, D-41st (Waipahu, Waikele).

It expands the definition of current law that outlaws harassment or harassment by stalking to include electronic means.

Karamatsu says the expanded definition is important as social networking sites proliferate. Those include Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.

He says law enforcement agencies estimate that electronic communications are involved in 20 percent to 40 percent of all stalking cases.

Hawai'i joins almost four dozen other states that have similar laws.