Charging illegal hikers for rescue costs considered again by Hawaii lawmakers

Renewed efforts are underway in the state Senate to allow county first-responders to charge outlaw hikers for the cost of rescuing them — and issue criminal fines as well — at a time when government spending is under stress from the fallout of COVID-19.

Senate Bill 363 would require reimbursement from hikers who need to be rescued after leaving a marked trail or ignoring “closed” or “no trespassing” signs. SB 363 also would add new petty misdemeanor penalties for hiking illegally.

https://www.staradvertiser.com/2021/02/21/hawaii-news/charging-illegal-hikers-for-rescue-costs-considered-again/