HI SB2451

Amends fines for destroying or harvesting koa trees on state lands to an amount up to the market value at the time and place of violation, plus the cost of habitat restoration or replacement, replacing the previous $10,000 fixed penalty.

Increases fines for destroying or harvesting non-koa trees and plants on state lands to an amount up to the market value at the time and place of violation, plus habitat restoration or replacement costs, replacing the previous $2,000 fixed penalty.

Establishes tiered criminal penalties for violations of forest reserve provisions: mandatory minimum fine of $100 or imprisonment up to 30 days for first offense; minimum $500 or 30 days for offenses within 5 years of prior conviction; and $1,000 or 30 days for offenses within 5 years of two or more prior convictions.

Specifies that violations of section 183-17 (timber trespass) are misdemeanors punishable by up to $2,000 fine or one year imprisonment, while other forest reserve violations are petty misdemeanors.

Repeals the general penalty provision in section 183-4 that previously imposed up to $500 fines for unspecified chapter violations; takes effect July 1, 2050.