HI SB3078

Adds two new definitions to Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 269E: "Locator" (utility locating company retained to locate subsurface installations) and "Release" (escape of flammable, toxic, hazardous, or corrosive gas/liquid from damage to subsurface installations).

Modifies the definition of "Emergency" to include a release of hazardous materials and narrows the excavation exemption for residential properties to only hand tools displacing less than 12 inches of earth.

Makes locators acting on behalf of operators subject to the same liabilities and civil penalties as operators and excavators for failure to perform required duties.

Changes emergency reporting requirements from situations creating "emergency situations" to situations causing "escape of any flammable, toxic, hazardous, or corrosive gas or liquid" and expands responsibility from excavators to "person responsible."

Allows excavators, locators, and operators to bring enforcement actions for violations; increases civil penalties to up to $5,000 per day (maximum $100,000 for related violations) and requires educational program participation; takes effect January 1, 2050.