Hawaii · 2025 Regular Session · Bill
SB 508: 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 508 is a bill introduced in the Hawaii Senate on January 17, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: RELATING TO SEARCH AND RESCUE. Primary sponsor: Tim Richards (Democratic), Stanley Chang (Democratic), Lynn DeCoite (Democratic), Samantha DeCorte (Republican), Kurt Fevella (Republican), Carol Fukunaga (Democratic), Donna Kim (Democratic), Angus McKelvey (Democratic), Glenn Wakai (Democratic). It lists 2 additional sponsors. Most recent recorded action (January 21, 2025): Referred to WTL/PSM, 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 hike safe card program and search and rescue special fund to be administered by the Department of Land and Natural Resources. 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. Exempts persons who possess a hike safe card from search and rescue cost reimbursement, under certain conditions. 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. Makes appropriations.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 9 · Republican 2
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Richards | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 4 |
| Stanley Chang | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 9 |
| Lynn DeCoite | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 7 |
| Samantha DeCorte | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 22 |
| Kurt Fevella | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 20 |
| Carol Fukunaga | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 11 |
| Donna Kim | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 14 |
| Angus McKelvey | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 6 |
| Glenn Wakai | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 15 |
| Joy San Buenaventura | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 2 |
| Sharon Moriwaki | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 12 |
“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 WTL/PSM, WAM/JDC.
- Introduced.
- Passed First Reading.