July 7, 2008
Governor Lingle signs bills that support efforts to protect Hawa`i’s natural and cultural resources and strengthen enforcement of environmental laws.
GOVERNOR LINGLE SIGNS NEW LAWS TO STRENGTHEN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ENFORCEMENT
The first bill (HB3178 SD2 CD1) signed by the Governor doubles civil fines for trespassing on or engaging in prohibited use of public lands, which include forests and coastal areas that are owned by the State.
The second measure (HB3177 HD1 SD2 CD1) will protect resources in Conservation Districts, which include private lands within essential forests and watersheds. This new law, Act 217, increases the maximum fine for Conservation District violations from $2,000 to $15,000 per day, per violation. Examples of violations this law will apply to include unauthorized commercial activities on public beaches, use of all-terrain vehicles, removal of native trees, and defacing geological features. This is the first time the maximum fine for such violations has been raised in more than a decade.
The third bill (SB1891 SD1 HD1 CD1) allows DLNR to pursue criminal penalties and civil fines for violations against public lands. The new law, Act 216, clarifies legislation that was passed in 2004 (Act 142) that gave DLNR the ability to impose civil penalties against those who damage or encroach on public lands.
