Bill > HB211

This bill amends Hawaii's existing laws regarding stream and drainage maintenance by empowering counties to remove and dispose of personal property stored in or near waterways, with the goal of protecting public safety and environmental health. Specifically, the bill defines personal property as tangible items like furniture, equipment, and household goods (but excluding vehicles and vessels), and establishes that any such property left in or near channels, streambeds, streambanks, or drainageways for more than 24 consecutive hours will be considered abandoned and subject to removal by state or county authorities. The legislation was motivated by a specific incident in October 2024 where heavy rainfall caused debris to wash into the Ala Wai canal, creating hazardous conditions that disrupted marine ecosystems and public safety. The bill requires counties to maintain these waterways in a condition suitable for storm water drainage and to remove debris that could create unsanitary conditions or public nuisances, with potential civil penalties of up to $500 per day for private entities that fail to comply with county orders. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 3000, though this appears to be a typographical error and likely means July 1, 2030.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=211&year=2025