Bill > SB508

This bill establishes a comprehensive "Hike Safe" program to address the costs associated with search and rescue operations in Hawaii. The legislation creates a new hike safe card program administered by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, where individuals can purchase an annual card for $25 (individual) or $35 (family), with proceeds deposited into a new search and rescue special fund. The bill allows government entities to seek reimbursement for search and rescue expenses from individuals who knowingly enter closed properties, closed hiking trails, or violate applicable laws, with an important exemption for people who possess a valid hike safe card unless their actions are deemed reckless. Additionally, the bill increases the penalty for criminal trespass from a petty misdemeanor to a misdemeanor, potentially creating stronger legal consequences for unauthorized property entry. The legislation requires counties and the State Fire Council to develop ordinances and rules to implement these reimbursement procedures, and establishes a special fund that can be used to defray search and rescue expenses and cover administrative costs. The bill was motivated by the surge in hiking during the COVID-19 pandemic and follows similar approaches implemented in other states to offset the financial burden of rescue operations on government entities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=508&year=2026