HI SB1259

Requires owners of vessels 26 feet or longer that are registered with Hawaii or documented by the U.S. Coast Guard to obtain marine insurance with a minimum limit of $100,000 per occurrence covering removal and salvage of grounded vessels.

Applies to vessels under 26 feet in length only if the owner was or is the registered owner of a grounded vessel located in the State or state ocean waters.

Allows the Board of Land and Natural Resources to grant exemptions from the insurance requirement for transient vessels (visiting less than 90 days) not moored in state facilities if extraordinary circumstances exist.

Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources to adopt rules to implement the vessel insurance requirements and accept alternative proof of insurance acceptable to the department.

Effective date: December 31, 2050.