HI SB2851

Expands authority to declare vessels abandoned beyond the department chair to include other state agencies and counties through their respective directors or mayors/police chiefs on public property under their jurisdiction.

Redefines abandoned vessels to include those with expired registration where the owner no longer resides at the registered address, vessels with removed identification numbers, unregistered vessels with untraceable owners, and vessels meeting section 200-52 requirements.

Clarifies that private property owners are responsible for abandoned vessels on their property and extends vessel disposition procedures to cover private marinas, yacht clubs, and other private property owners in addition to vessel repair businesses.

Allows negotiated sales or disposal of vessels valued under $5,000 without public auction after one publication notice and requires state or county agencies to deposit proceeds into appropriate state or county funds rather than exclusively the boating special fund.

Specifies that vessel disposition notices must be sent to registered owners and lien holders at their last known addresses with owners having ten days after receipt to request an administrative hearing to contest the impoundment basis.