THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	3228
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO TOW-IN SURFING.

 

 

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

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that current department of land and natural resources rules regarding tow-in surfing limit the engagement of this activity to periods of high surf warning levels as declared by the National Weather Service in the region or around the island or islands for which the high surf warning has been issued.  The legislature further finds that this limitation prohibits tow-in surfing participants from training and gaining competency in safer, smaller surf.

     The purpose of this Act is to allow tow-in surfing activity to occur during periods of smaller surf, subject to all rules issued by the department of land and natural resources that pertain to this activity.

     SECTION 2.  Section 200-37, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:

     "(c)  No person shall operate a thrill craft in the waters of the State, except:

     (1)  In areas and during time periods designated by the department; provided that a person may operate a thrill craft, while engaged in training for tow-in surfing, during periods that are below high surf warning levels as declared by the National Weather Service;

     (2)  Through areas designated by the department to serve as avenues for the ingress and egress of thrill craft between the areas designated under paragraph (1) and the shore;

     (3)  Authorized government personnel conducting operations approved by the department;

     (4)  Authorized film production permit holders conducting operations approved by the department; or

     (5)  When used to conduct ocean cleanup, as authorized by rules adopted by the department.

     To the extent that the authorization to operate thrill craft pursuant to this subsection is inconsistent with any other law, including section 200-38, this subsection shall control."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title:

Department of Land and Natural Resources; Tow-in Surfing; Ocean Recreation

 

Description:

Allows tow-in surfing during periods that are below high surf warning levels as declared by the National Weather Service.

 

 

 

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