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.

Charging illegal hikers for rescue costs considered again by Hawaii lawmakers

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