SB 1256 Summary

• Increases administrative fines for destroying, damaging, or harvesting trees (including koa) on state forest reserves to up to $10,000 or three times the market value at time of violation, whichever is greater, per tree larger than six inches in diameter at ground level.

• Adds restoration and habitat replacement costs, plus damages to public land or natural resources, as recoverable in addition to administrative fines for forest reserve violations.

• Establishes traffic infractions for vehicular parking or traffic violations within forest reserves with fines of $100 for first violation, $200 for second, and $500 for third or subsequent violations.

• Clarifies criminal penalties for forest reserve violations as petty misdemeanors with mandatory minimum fines of $100 (first offense), $500 (second within five years), or $1,000 (third within five years), with up to 30 days imprisonment.

• Allows the State to pursue both civil action for administrative fines and criminal prosecution separately for the same violation; takes effect December 31, 2050.