If adopted, HB1903 would amend Chapter 46 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to include new requirements for first responders across all counties in Hawaii. By standardizing the information gathered during water rescues, the law seeks to create a comprehensive dataset that can help identify the factors leading to snorkeling-related drownings. This data could facilitate well-informed policy decisions focused on enhancing safety measures for both residents and visitors, potentially leading to a reduction in tragic incidents associated with snorkeling activities.
Summary
House Bill 1903, known as the 'David Loasby Law', is aimed at improving water safety in Hawaii by mandating that first responders record the type of snorkel and mask used by individuals involved in water rescue events. The legislation stems from an alarming trend identified in the Hawaii tourism authority's snorkel safety study, which indicates that drowning is a leading cause of injury-related death among visitors, with snorkeling being the most common activity associated with these tragic incidents. The data collected from this bill aims to provide essential insights into whether certain snorkeling equipment contributes to the risk of drowning, thereby informing potential safety improvements and policy changes.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding the bill appears largely positive, especially among safety advocates and public health officials who see this measure as a proactive approach to safeguarding the lives of those who engage in snorkeling. There seems to be a consensus on the need for better data to enhance safety protocols, indicating that stakeholders recognize the potential benefits of the bill. However, the bill may also face scrutiny regarding the efficacy of data collection processes and whether this measure will lead to actionable insights for improving snorkeling safety.
Contention
One notable area of contention may arise around the implementation of this law, particularly regarding how uniformly it will be enforced across different counties. While Maui County has begun recording snorkel data during water rescues, there is concern about the preparedness and willingness of other counties to adopt similar practices. Additionally, questions may be raised about data privacy and the management of collected information. The challenge will be balancing the need for comprehensive data collection with ensuring the effective application of the law without placing undue burden on first responders.
A resolution to direct the Clerk of the House of Representatives to only present to the Governor enrolled House bills finally passed by both houses of the One Hundred Third Legislature.