Bill Text: HI SB1079 | 2011 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Landowner Liability; Trespass
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2011-04-19 - (H) Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 649). [SB1079 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2011-SB1079-Amended.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
1079 |
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TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011 |
S.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 2 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO LANDOWNER LIABILITY.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Chapter 663, Hawaii Revised Statutes is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§663‑ Trespass; range land; limited duty of care and liability of owner. (a) An owner of range land owes no duty of care to a trespasser for injury to, property damage, or death of the trespasser that occurs on range land, or to warn a trespasser of dangerous natural conditions or range activities or uses; provided that the range land:
(1) Is fenced, enclosed, or secured in a manner designed to exclude the general public, or marked by a structure or barrier, such as a cattle grid or cattle grate or other obstacle used to secure livestock; or
(2) Has at least one sign displayed on the range land that is sufficient to give notice and that reads: "No Trespassing" or a substantially similar message. The sign shall contain letters not less than two inches in height and shall be placed along the boundary line of the range land in a manner and position that is clearly noticeable from outside the boundary line. Where an owner knows or should reasonably anticipate the presence of trespassers in an area or areas of range land, a sign or signs sufficient to give notice shall be placed at such area or areas.
(b) Nothing in this section shall limit the liability of a range land owner whose acts are grossly negligent, in wilful or wanton disregard of the safety of a trespasser, or who intentionally causes injury, property damage, or death to a trespasser. This section shall not apply to minor children twelve years of age or younger where the owner knows of or should reasonably anticipate the presence of such children on the range land.
(c) The duty of care of an owner of range land who allows recreational use of range land shall be as provided in section 520-3.
(d) As used in this section:
"Owner" means the person who holds title to or is in lawful possession of the range land.
"Range land" means any land exceeding four acres that is used primarily for range use, including livestock grazing, dairying, or keeping of equine, bovine, and similar livestock, such as cattle, horses, sheep, and goats. Range land includes appurtenant roadways, waterways, buildings, structures, and machinery or equipment attached to the land that is used in connection with range land activities. Range land in rural areas may include multiple parcels of less than four acres in size that together exceed four acres in the aggregate, when operated as a single venture.
"Trespasser" means a person who enters or remains unlawfully on the range land without the permission of the owner."
SECTION 2. The Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation shall submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2013, regarding the number of personal injury claims brought by or on behalf of trespassers against owners of croplands.
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 on January 1, 2012, and shall be repealed on December 31, 2017.
Report Title:
Landowner Liability; Trespass
Description:
Establishes that an owner of range land owes no duty of care, under certain conditions, toward a trespasser for injuries suffered by the trespasser that occur on range land, or to warn the trespasser of dangerous natural conditions or range activities or uses. Requires the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation to submit a report to the legislature on the number of personal injury claims brought by or on behalf of trespassers against owners of croplands. Effective January 1, 2012, and shall be repealed on December 31, 2017. (SB1079 HD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
