SB2818

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2818
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO BOATING.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that small boat harbors and boating facilities are some of the most heavily utilized facilities in the State, for both commercial and non-commercial use and by residents and tourists alike. The division of conservation and resources enforcement of the department of land and natural resources is responsible for enforcing all statutes and administrative rules under the department's jurisdiction but spends a large part of its time responding to violations in small boat harbors and boating facilities.

The legislature also finds that enforcement efforts at small boat harbors and boating facilities are necessary to ensure public health and safety and to prevent vandalism, theft, trespassing, and squatting. The legislature believes that, in order to deter violators and repeat offenders, stricter penalties are needed.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to clarify penalties for violations of boating and ocean recreation laws.

SECTION 2. Section 200-14, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:

1. By amending subsection (a) to read:

"(a) Any person who violates any provision in this chapter, or any rule adopted by the department, relating to [boating accidents, reckless or unauthorized operation of a vessel, unauthorized mooring of a vessel, unauthorized commercial activity, unauthorized camping within state small boat harbors or boating facilities, animal abandonment within state small boat harbors or boating facilities, or creation of animal colonies within state small boat harbors or boating facilities shall be guilty of a petty misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than $1,000.] the following shall be guilty of a petty misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than $1,000, or imprisoned for not more than thirty days, or both:

(1) Boating accidents and boating accident reporting requirements;

(2) Diver's flag display requirements;

(3) Vessel or thrill craft speed restrictions;

(4) Personal flotation device requirements;

(5) Reckless or careless operation of a vessel or thrill craft;

(6) Operating a vessel or thrill craft without valid mandatory safety education;

(7) Operating a vessel or thrill craft without insurance coverage required by section 200-13.5;

(8) Unauthorized mooring, anchoring, or storage of a vessel or thrill craft;

(9) Unauthorized operation or control of a vessel or thrill craft;

(10) Unauthorized commercial activity within state small boat harbors, boating facilities, or state ocean waters;

(11) Unauthorized camping within state small boat harbors or boating facilities;

(12) Unauthorized access to restricted areas within state small boat harbors or boating facilities;

(13) Serving, sale, consumption, or possession of intoxicating liquor within state small boat harbors or boating facilities, except where permitted by law or rule;

(14) Operating a vessel or thrill craft under the influence of an intoxicant, as defined in section 291E-1;

(15) Falsifying a permit, vessel title, or vessel registration issued under this chapter, chapter 200A, or any rules adopted thereunder, with intent to avoid compliance, or conceal or misrepresent the identity of a permittee, vessel, or owner; or

(16) Animal abandonment within state small boat harbors or boating facilities, or creation of animal colonies within state small boat harbors or boating facilities."

2. By amending subsection (c) to read:

"(c) As a condition of probation pursuant to sections 706‑623 and 706-624, or as a condition to the suspension of any criminal penalties, the environmental court may provide that the defendant refrain from operating any vessel, including but not limited to any thrill craft or vessel engaged in parasailing or water sledding, in specified geographical areas of the waters of the State[.], for a period not to exceed twelve months."

SECTION 3. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

DLNR; DOBOR; Boating and Ocean Recreation; Penalties

Description:

Clarifies the penalties for violations of boating and ocean recreation laws pursuant to chapter 200, HRS.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

SB 2818: DLNR; DOBOR; BOATING AND OCEAN RECREATION; PENALTIES

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