Bill > HB482

This bill addresses unauthorized camping on public lands in Hawaii by introducing several key provisions. It establishes a new requirement for the Department of Land and Natural Resources to identify and restore vacated homeless encampment areas, with an annual reporting mandate to the Legislature beginning in 2026. The bill modifies existing criminal trespass laws for public parks and recreational grounds, introducing graduated financial penalties for offenders: $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second offense, and $400 or up to thirty days imprisonment for third or subsequent offenses. Additionally, it authorizes law enforcement to seize and dispose of abandoned personal property in public spaces, with immediate disposal for items posing health or safety risks. The Department of Human Services is mandated to create a homeless outreach and case management program that provides transportation to designated shelters and offers referrals for medical, mental health, and substance abuse services. The bill explicitly references the recent Supreme Court decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson (2024), which affirmed the constitutionality of regulating public camping when shelter options are available, and includes provisions ensuring that enforcement actions do not contravene individual constitutional rights. The legislation is accompanied by appropriations for implementing these programs and is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=482&year=2026