Hawaii · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 2157: RELATING TO SEARCH AND RESCUE.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 2157 is a bill introduced in the Hawaii Senate on January 14, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: RELATING TO SEARCH AND RESCUE. Primary sponsor: Tim Richards (Democratic), Stanley Chang (Democratic), Brandon Elefante (Democratic), Carol Fukunaga (Democratic), Troy Hashimoto (Democratic), KIDANI, Sharon Moriwaki (Democratic), Glenn Wakai (Democratic). It lists 2 additional sponsors. Most recent recorded action (January 22, 2026): Referred to WLA/PSM/EIG, WAM/JDC.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Establishes the Search and Rescue Special Fund. Requires government entities to seek reimbursement for all or a portion of search or rescue expenses when the person or entity knowingly enters state, county, or private property, knowingly enters a hiking trail that is closed to the public, or violates applicable laws, provided that the closure is posted by sign, barricade, or other device that gives reasonable notice of the closure. Requires an administrative appeal hearing for an individual subject to cost reimbursement to contest the assessment. Requires counties and the State Fire Council to adopt ordinances or rules as necessary to pursue reimbursements. Raises the penalty for criminal trespass from a petty misdemeanor to a misdemeanor under certain circumstances. Imposes a fine on a person convicted of criminal trespass onto public parks and recreational grounds. Appropriates funds.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 9
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Richards | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 4 |
| Stanley Chang | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 9 |
| Brandon Elefante | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 16 |
| Carol Fukunaga | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 11 |
| Troy Hashimoto | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 5 |
| KIDANI | Primary sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
| Sharon Moriwaki | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 12 |
| Glenn Wakai | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 15 |
| Joy San Buenaventura | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 2 |
| Dru Kanuha | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 3 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Referred to WLA/PSM/EIG, WAM/JDC.
- Introduced and passed First Reading.
- Pending Introduction.