HI HR104

Request the Department of Law Enforcement to convene a Search and Rescue Working Group to develop recommendations for deterring hikers from entering illegal trails and addressing rising search and rescue costs.

Working Group shall examine existing fines or fees for illegal hiking, propose new or amended penalties if appropriate, review collection processes, and study policies of other states regarding rescue fees.

Working Group membership includes the Director of Law Enforcement, Attorney General, a Judiciary member appointed by the Chief Justice, chiefs of police from each county, fire chiefs from each county, and prosecuting attorneys from each county.

Working Group must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2025 Regular Session convenes.

Resolution notes Hawaii averages nearly one thousand rescues annually with costs exceeding thousands of dollars per rescue, and cites six states (Idaho, Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont) that impose financial penalties for outdoor rescues resulting from lack of preparation.