Hawaii Senate Bill SR165

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Report Pass: 4/4/23
• Passed: 4/5/23

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Implement An Immediate Fine For Grounded Vessels That Have Reasonably Caused Damage To The Environment Or Created A Material Burden On The State For Its Removal.

Impact

If enacted, this resolution could change how the state handles grounded vessels by allowing for a swift financial consequence of $10,000 to be imposed immediately. This would serve as both a deterrent for vessel owners who might neglect their responsibilities and as a means to help offset the expenses involved in salvaging grounded ships. Currently, the process for assessing damages can be lengthy, often requiring expert evaluations, which delays any penalties that might be imposed on responsible parties.

Summary

Senate Resolution 165 requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) of Hawaii to implement an immediate fine for grounded vessels that have reasonably caused environmental damage or created a material burden for the state in terms of removal costs. The urgency of this resolution stems from incidents such as the grounding of a luxury yacht in a conservation area, which resulted in significant damage to natural resources, including fragile coral ecosystems, and incurred considerable costs to the state for salvage operations.

Sentiment

The sentiment around this bill appears to be supportive from environmental advocates who appreciate the focus on protecting Hawaii's natural resources. However, there may be concerns about the fairness of imposing an immediate fine without first assessing the situation. Overall, the intention is viewed positively, especially in light of past events where delayed responses have led to extensive damage to marine environments.

Contention

While the direction of SR165 seems clear in its intention to provide immediate consequences for irresponsible behavior by vessel owners, there are questions regarding implementation and enforcement. Critics may express concerns that an immediate penalty could disproportionately affect owners of smaller or less expensive vessels, potentially leading to economic hardships in the maritime community. Additionally, the effectiveness of such fines in preventing future incidents remains to be seen, as the resolution addresses only one aspect of a broader issue regarding maritime environmental protection.