Hawaii House Bill HCR76

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/22
• Refer: 3/14/22
• Report Pass: 3/28/22
• Refer: 3/28/22
• Report Pass: 4/7/22
• Engrossed: 4/7/22
• Refer: 4/12/22

Caption

Convening A Working Group To Determine Any Circumstances Under Which Government Entities Should Be Reimbursed For Search And Rescue Services On Land For Trail Users And What Constitutes Proper Public Notice Of A Trail User's Illegal Presence On Land For Purposes Of Imposing Penalties For Violations Of Law.

Impact

The resolution emphasizes the need to create policies that promote safety and fiscal responsibility concerning search and rescue efforts. It tasks the Department of Land and Natural Resources with leading the working group, which will include stakeholders from various relevant agencies such as law enforcement, emergency services, and recreational organizations. This initiative could lead to significant legislative recommendations affecting how search and rescue operations are managed and funded in the future, establishing guidelines for potential reimbursement by the users requiring these services.

Summary

HCR76, introduced in the 31st Legislature of Hawaii in 2022, proposes convening a working group to assess circumstances under which government entities might be reimbursed for costs incurred during search and rescue operations involving trail users. This motion arises from the increasing concern over public safety regarding unauthorized access to closed trails, which not only places individuals at risk but also strains public resources during rescue attempts. The aim is to foster accountability among trail users who disregard safety warnings, ultimately leading to potentially dangerous rescue situations for both the individuals involved and the first responders.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around HCR76 appears to be pragmatic, informed by a broad recognition of the challenges posed by illegal trail access. Supporters of the measure are likely to back any development of structured policies that could enhance public safety and reduce unnecessary expenditures for government services. Nevertheless, it might generate discussions regarding user rights and responsibilities on public lands, especially surrounding the financial implications of access and rescue operations.

Contention

A notable point of contention within the discussions may arise regarding the balance of public access to natural resources and the necessity of enforcing legal expectations among trail users. The working group is poised to examine various factors, including public notice requirements for illegal areas, the feasibility of listing legal hiking trails online, and whether adequate public awareness efforts can reduce safety risks. This could lead to debates on how much responsibility should rest with individual users versus governmental authorities in ensuring safe access to natural spaces.