Hawaii House Bill HR69

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
• Passed: 4/7/22

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

If enacted, HR69 could lead to new policies that delineate the responsibilities of trail users and the implications of entering prohibited areas. It seeks to reinforce accountability among those who engage in illegal hiking on closed trails, potentially setting a precedent for mandatory reimbursement for search and rescue services provided by government agencies. This legislation recognizes the balance between recreational access and maintaining public safety on state lands.

Summary

House Resolution 69 (HR69) aims to address safety concerns related to illegal access on closed hiking trails in Hawaii. The resolution requests the establishment of a working group tasked with evaluating circumstances that may require government entities to be reimbursed for expenses incurred during search and rescue operations for individuals who ignore closures and warnings. The overriding concern driving this bill is the significant cost and safety risk posed to rescuers who must perform searches for individuals acting against safety protocols.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR69 appears to be cautiously optimistic among supporters who see its potential for improving public safety. Proponents believe it will lead to better awareness concerning legal and illegal trail access, thus reducing the need for costly search and rescue operations. However, there may be concerns regarding the practicality of enforcing reimbursement and how this could affect recreational users, especially if they are not adequately informed of legal boundaries.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around defining what constitutes 'proper public notice' for illegal trail access and the extent of responsibility trail users should bear. Some stakeholders may argue that reimbursement policies could dissuade individuals from seeking help in emergencies for fear of financial penalties. Furthermore, the working group will need to carefully consider how to communicate legal hiking areas and ensure that individuals clearly understand the risks and laws tied to their outdoor activities.