LIHU‘E — House Bill 1808 became law on June 2. The legislation states that in many shorelines throughout the state, the overgrowth of vegetation inhibits lateral access and transit along the beaches, denying public use. The law requires landowners, tenants,
LIHU‘E — House Bill 1808 became law on June 2. The legislation states that in many shorelines throughout the state, the overgrowth of vegetation inhibits lateral access and transit along the beaches, denying public use.
The law requires landowners, tenants, lessees, property managers or trustees to remove induced or cultivated vegetation which is interfering or encroaching upon a public transit corridor.
Unmaintained vegetation is considered a public nuisance, and should be removed too.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources is authorized to issue notice to violators “who fail to maintain access within beach transit corridors,” the law states.
If the violator fails to correct the situation within 21 days of notice being issued, the DLNR is authorized to take action.
In areas where the terrain doesn’t allow for reasonably safe transit, such as in cliffs, the counties may establish by condemnation the public lines for public corridor, which should not be less than six feet wide.
Violating this law is a misdemeanor. A second conviction will bring a $1,000 fine. Any convictions thereafter will bring a $2,000 fine each time.
The law also prohibits construction of erosion-protection structures seaward of the shoreline, except when they result in improved aesthetics and engineering solutions to erosion, and do not interfere with recreational and waterline activities.
Visit www.capitol.hawaii.gov for the full bill.
