Requesting The Department Of Law Enforcement To Convene A Search And Rescue Working Group To Develop And Make Recommendations To Deter Hikers From Entering Illegal Hiking Trails And To Address Rising Search And Rescue Costs Facing The State And Counties Due To Increased Illegal Hiking Traffic.
Impact
This bill seeks to significantly impact state laws regarding public safety and enforcement related to hiking activities. With a focus on accountability, it aims to explore the implementation of fines or fees for individuals requiring rescue due to negligence or ignorance of posted safety warnings. By examining existing models from other states, the working group will propose measures that address and potentially reduce the financial burden that search and rescue operations impose on the state and counties, which are often extensive and can reach thousands of dollars per incident.
Summary
HCR124 is a House Concurrent Resolution from Hawaii's Thirty-second Legislature, which addresses the growing concerns associated with illegal hiking and the consequential costs of search and rescue operations. The resolution requests the Department of Law Enforcement to establish a Search and Rescue Working Group tasked with developing recommendations to deter hikers from entering closed trails, thereby ensuring better public safety. The bill highlights that hiking is a popular activity in Hawaii, attracting both locals and tourists, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in increased foot traffic and, consequently, more illegal hikes in restricted areas.
Contention
While HCR124 promotes safety and responsibility, it may face contention centered on the enforcement of penalties associated with outdoor activities. Critics might argue that imposing financial penalties for rescues could deter individuals from seeking help when truly in danger, potentially leading to more fatalities or injuries. Additionally, there could be concerns regarding the equitable application of such fines and whether they might disproportionately affect certain populations, particularly those with limited resources. The ongoing discussions within the proposed working group will likely need to balance enforcement with ensuring the safety and accessibility of Hawaii's hiking trails.
Same As
Requesting The Department Of Law Enforcement To Convene A Search And Rescue Working Group To Develop And Make Recommendations To Deter Hikers From Entering Illegal Hiking Trails And To Address Rising Search And Rescue Costs Facing The State And Counties Due To Increased Illegal Hiking Traffic.
Requesting The Department Of Law Enforcement To Convene A Search And Rescue Working Group To Develop And Make Recommendations To Deter Hikers From Entering Illegal Hiking Trails And To Address Rising Search And Rescue Costs Facing The State And Counties Due To Increased Illegal Hiking Traffic.
Requesting The Department Of Law Enforcement To Convene A Search And Rescue Working Group To Develop And Make Recommendations To Deter Hikers From Entering Illegal Hiking Trails And To Address Rising Search And Rescue Costs Facing The State And Counties Due To Increased Illegal Hiking Traffic.
Requesting The Department Of Law Enforcement To Convene A Search And Rescue Working Group To Develop And Make Recommendations To Deter Hikers From Entering Illegal Hiking Trails And To Address Rising Search And Rescue Costs Facing The State And Counties Due To Increased Illegal Hiking Traffic.
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.
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.
Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene A Working Group To Inform The Public About The Options Available To Address The State's Feral Chicken Population.