HawaiiSB 21572025–2026 Regular Session (Year 2)Senate

RELATING TO SEARCH AND RESCUE.

Sponsored By: III Richards (Democratic)

In Committee

Summary

Establishes the Search and Rescue Special Fund. Requires government entities to seek reimbursement for all or a portion of search or rescue expenses when the person or entity knowingly enters state, county, or private property, knowingly enters a hiking trail that is closed to the public, or violates applicable laws, provided that the closure is posted by sign, barricade, or other device that gives reasonable notice of the closure. Requires an administrative appeal hearing for an individual subject to cost reimbursement to contest the assessment. Requires counties and the State Fire Council to adopt ordinances or rules as necessary to pursue reimbursements. Raises the penalty for criminal trespass from a petty misdemeanor to a misdemeanor under certain circumstances. Imposes a fine on a person convicted of criminal trespass onto public parks and recreational grounds. Appropriates funds.

Department of Land and Natural ResourcesHiking TrailsSearch and RescueSearch and Rescue Special FundMandatory ReimbursementAdministrative AppealHearingCountiesAdministrative RulesTrespassingMisdemeanorFinesAppropriationWLA/PSM/EIG, WAM/JDC

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Bill Overview

No Economic Impacts Identified for this Bill

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • III Richards

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Stanley Chang

    Democratic • Senate

  • Brandon J.C. Elefante

    Democratic • Senate

  • Carol Fukunaga

    Democratic • Senate

  • Troy N. Hashimoto

    Democratic • Senate

  • Michelle N. Kidani

    Democratic • Senate

  • Dru Mamo Kanuha

    Democratic • Senate

  • Sharon Y. Moriwaki

    Democratic • Senate

  • Joy A. San Buenaventura

    Democratic • Senate

  • Glenn Wakai

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. Referred to WLA/PSM/EIG, WAM/JDC.

    1/22/2026Senate
  2. Introduced and passed First Reading.

    1/21/2026Senate
  3. Pending Introduction.

    1/14/2026Senate

Bill Text

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