HI SB2850

Permits the Department of Land and Natural Resources to assume control of vessels grounded on coral reefs or in imminent danger of breaking up when owners cannot remove them within 24 hours of notification.

Requires the Department to make good faith efforts to provide actual notice to the vessel's owner or representative before assuming control, and allows assumption only if notice efforts are futile.

Exempts owners or representatives who have received actual notification from the Department and have commenced effective salvage operations from these provisions.

Supported by the Ocean Tourism Coalition; the Department of Land and Natural Resources commented on the measure.