Bill > HB999

This bill amends Section 200-14 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to modify penalties and provisions related to boating violations, specifically removing a previous subsection about water pollution offenses. The bill eliminates language that previously imposed fines up to $10,000 and potential imprisonment for knowingly discharging petroleum products, hazardous materials, or sewage in state boating facilities or waters in violation of water quality standards. While the government summary suggests this change clarifies that criminal water pollution offenses remain under the Department of Health's jurisdiction, the bill text primarily adjusts the penalty structure and renumbers the existing subsections. The bill retains provisions allowing environmental courts to impose conditions on defendants, such as restricting vessel operation in specific geographical areas as part of probation or suspended criminal penalties. The legislation also maintains definitions for terms like "vessel" and "waters of the State" from Section 200-23, and will take effect immediately upon approval.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=999&year=2026