SB 2157

Hawaii Senate bill in Session 2026.

Status: in_committee. Latest action: January 22, 2026.

Department of Land and Natural Resources; Hiking Trails; Search and Rescue; Search and Rescue Special Fund; Mandatory Reimbursement; Administrative Appeal; Hearing; Counties; Administrative Rules; Trespassing; Misdemeanor; Fines; Appropriation.

Bill ID HI-2026-SB-2157
Session 2026
Status in_committee
Committee WLA/PSM/EIG, WAM/JDC
Senate in_committee 2026-01-22
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.

Sponsor
III, Herbert M. "Tim"" Richards"
Official Source Back to Bills
Actions Timeline
Date Event Detail
0000-00-00 Introduced Bill introduced
2026-01-22 Status in_committee
2026-01-22 Latest Action Referred to WLA/PSM/EIG, WAM/JDC.
More Bills From This Sponsor
More Bills In This Topic
Related Topics
Same Topic Bills From Other States