Report Title:

Watercraft Safety

Description:

Creates a recreational vessel safety education program.  Provides for issuance of permits to persons who complete the program.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2074
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO WATERCRAFT SAFETY.

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

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 200, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§200- Recreational vessel safety program; operator's permit; reciprocity. (a)  The department shall develop and implement a comprehensive safety education program for all operators of recreational vessels.  The department shall cooperate as necessary with the counties, state agencies, other states, federal government agencies, and the boating community in the operation of the program.

(b)  The department shall issue a recreational vessel operator's permit to all persons who successfully complete the safety education program.

(c)  The department shall issue a recreational vessel operator's permit to all persons who provide proof of completion of a safety education program from another state that is substantially similar to the program established by the department.

(d)  The chairperson shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 for the purposes of this section."

     SECTION 2.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________