Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources' Division Of Boating And Ocean Recreation To Amend Title 13, Chapter 241, Hawaii Administrative Rules, To Expressly Require That All Vessels Required To Obtain Insurance In The State Regularly Provide Proof Of Insurance At Least On An Annual Basis.
Impact
The resolution highlights the significant financial implications, citing that since 2002, DOBOR has spent approximately $2.37 million addressing issues related to grounded and derelict vessels. The requirement for proof of insurance is expected to alleviate some of the fiscal responsibilities that currently fall on the state by ensuring that vessel owners maintain adequate insurance coverage, thus sharing the liability for accidents or damages associated with their vessels.
Summary
Senate Resolution 163 (SR163) requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) to amend Title 13, Chapter 241 of the Hawaii Administrative Rules. The amendment aims to ensure that all vessels that require insurance in the state are mandated to provide proof of this insurance on an annual basis. This initiative stems from concerns about the financial burden the state faces in managing uninsured vessels, particularly those that are aground or abandoned in state waters.
Conclusion
Overall, SR163 represents a forward step in reforming vessel management and safety regulations in Hawaii. By instituting more stringent requirements for vessel insurance, it aims to reduce the financial and operational strain on state resources while promoting responsible stewardship among boat owners. These changes not only underscore the state's commitment to marine safety but also initiate a necessary dialogue on the implications for local boating communities.
Contention
A notable point of contention surrounding this bill is the balance of responsibility between vessel owners and the state. Proponents argue that regular proof of insurance will promote accountability among vessel owners, thereby enhancing marine safety and reducing state expenditures on vessel recovery. However, some stakeholders express concerns over the implications for recreational boaters and the potential difficulty in securing affordable insurance, which could impact their ability to operate vessels legally in state waters. Discussions may also arise regarding how the amendment affects existing regulations and the enforcement capabilities of state agencies.
Urging The Division Of Boating And Ocean Recreation Of The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Use Job Order Contracting For Boating And Ocean Recreation Facility Maintenance And Repair.
Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Operations And Management Of The Department Of Land And Natural Resources' Division Of Boating And Ocean Recreation.
Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Operations And Management Of The Department Of Land And Natural Resources' Division Of Boating And Ocean Recreation.
Urging The Division Of Boating And Ocean Recreation Of The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Use Job Order Contracting For Boating And Ocean Recreation Facility Maintenance And Repair.
Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Identify All Appropriate Sites At State Parks At Which A Water-bottle Filling Station Could Be Installed.
Urging The Department Of Land And Natural Resources And Board Of Land And Natural Resources To Adopt Certain Procedures Relating To The Dam And Appurtenance Improvement Or Removal Grant Program To Assist Applicants In Obtaining Grants.
Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Work With The National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration And Other Experts To Conduct A Study On The Population Status Of Depleted Coral Reef Herbivores Around The Island Of Oahu And Develop Effective Alternative Policies For Substantially Replenishing Those Populations Within A Decade.