S.B. 3014 Summary

• Amends Section 127A-18, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to grant county mayors the same authority as the governor to authorize entry onto private property to mitigate hazardous situations.

• Expands the definition of hazardous situations to include threats to public or private property, and adds fire hazards (grasses, shrubbery, and other flammable materials) as a new category of mitigation actions.

• Requires at least 10 days' written notice to the landowner and occupier before entry, with certified mail or newspaper publication if ownership cannot be determined, and allows landowners a reasonable opportunity to address the hazard themselves.

• Permits the governor or mayor to seek court-ordered warrants for entry if refused, and establishes a lien on the property to recover all costs and expenses incurred in hazard mitigation.

• Takes effect July 1, 2024, contingent upon authorization and funding for personnel to administer the program.