THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

700

THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2021

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to search and rescue.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  Section 137-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[137-2[]]  Reimbursement.  (a)  Whenever any government entity engages in a search or rescue operation for the purpose of searching for or rescuing a person, and incurs search and rescue expenses therein, the government entity may seek reimbursement from the following:

     (1)  The person on whose behalf search or rescue operations were conducted, including the person's estate, guardians, custodians, or other entity responsible for the person's safety;

     (2)  A person who ultimately benefited from a search or rescue operation by being rescued; or

     (3)  Any entity responsible for placing the person in the position of danger for which the search or rescue operation was initiated[.],

     [(b)  Reimbursement under subsection (a) shall be allowed only] if the need for search or rescue was caused by any act or omission by the person searched for or rescued, constituting intentional disregard for the person's safety, including, but not limited to, intentionally disregarding a warning or notice.

     (b)  A government entity shall seek reimbursement for all or a portion of search or rescue expenses from all applicable persons or entities pursuant to subsection (a), if the need for the search or rescue was caused by the person searched for or rescued:

     (1)  Leaving a hiking trail and entering state, county, or private property that is closed to the public and marked with a sign giving reasonable notice of the closure; or

     (2)  Entering a hiking trail that is closed to the public and marked with a sign giving reasonable notice of the closure."

     SECTION 2.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

     SECTION 3.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 


 


 

Report Title:

Hiking Trails; Search and Rescue; Closed to the Public; Trespassing; Penalty; Department of Land and Natural Resources

 

Description:

Requires government entities to seek reimbursement for all or a portion of search and rescue expenses for persons who require rescue after leaving a hiking trail to enter a prohibited area or hiking on a trail closed to the public.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.