HI SB16

Defines "vehicle owner" in Hawaii's towing law to include legal/registered owners, renters under chapter 437D, and any person in lawful possession of vehicle keys or remote ignition systems.

Clarifies that towing companies must release vehicles to the vehicle owner at no charge if the owner appears while the vehicle is being hooked up or already hooked up, with exceptions for vehicles hooked up outside the defined scene area and already in motion.

Defines "hooked up" as a vehicle attached to a tow truck with clamps, ropes, straps, or other secure fastening devices, and "scene" as the specific location or within 50 feet of where towing occurs.

Adds a $30 surcharge for difficult hookups in multilevel facilities and requires towing companies to accommodate payment by cash, credit card, or ATM.

Effective July 1, 2050.