Bill > SB366

This bill addresses the storage of personal property near public streams and tributaries in Hawaii by establishing new regulations aimed at preventing environmental and safety hazards. The legislation prohibits storing any personal property (defined as tangible items like furniture, equipment, clothing, and household goods, but excluding vehicles and vessels) in or near public streams or tributaries. Under the proposed law, any personal property left in these areas for more than 24 hours will be considered abandoned and subject to disposal by the Department of Land and Natural Resources. The bill's motivation stems from a specific incident in October 2024 where debris in tributaries caused problems in the Ala Wai canal and small boat harbor, creating hazardous conditions that disrupted public safety and marine ecosystems. The legislature views this action as necessary to preserve natural resources, protect public safety, and maintain the functionality of Hawaii's waterways. The new regulation will take effect immediately upon approval, giving the department the authority to remove and dispose of any personal property that remains in these sensitive environmental areas for more than a day.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=366&year=2025