Hawaii Senate Bill 508

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Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 9-2)
Status: Introduced on January 17 2025 - 25% progression
Action: 2025-01-21 - Referred to WTL/PSM, WAM/JDC.
Pending: Senate Water and Land Committee
Text: Latest bill text (Introduced) [HTML]

Establishes the hike safe card program and search and rescue special fund to be administered by the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Requires government entities to seek reimbursement for all or a portion of search or rescue expenses when the person or entity knowingly enters state, county, or private property, knowingly enters a hiking trail that is closed to the public, or violates applicable laws, provided that the closure is posted by sign, barricade, or other device that gives reasonable notice of the closure. Exempts persons who possess a hike safe card from search and rescue cost reimbursement, under certain conditions. Requires counties and the State Fire Council to adopt ordinances or rules as necessary to pursue reimbursements. Raises the penalty for criminal trespass from a petty misdemeanor to a misdemeanor. Makes appropriations.

Relating To Search And Rescue.

Sen. Tim Richards [D]	Sen. Stanley Chang [D]	Rep. Lynn Decoite [D]	Sen. Samantha DeCorte [R]
Sen. Kurt Fevella [R]	Sen. Carol Fukunaga [D]	Sen. Donna Kim [D]	Sen. Angus McKelvey [D]
Sen. Glenn Wakai [D]	Sen. Sharon Moriwaki [D]	Sen. Joy San Buenaventura [D]

Date	Chamber	Action
2025-01-21	Senate	Referred to WTL/PSM, WAM/JDC.
2025-01-17	Senate	Passed First Reading.
2025-01-17	Senate	Introduced.

Type	Source
Summary	https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=508&year=2025
Text	https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2025/bills/SB508_.HTM