HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1234
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to data about snorkels and masks.

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

SECTION 1. This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "David Loasby Law".

SECTION 2. The legislature finds that, according to the Hawaii tourism authority's snorkel safety study, which was conducted from August 2017 to April 2021 under the administration of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, a nonprofit organization that promotes ocean safety and drowning prevention efforts in the Hawaiian islands:

(1) Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among visitors to Hawaii;

(2) Snorkeling is the most common activity associated with visitor drownings;

(3) These types of incidents have been increasing in recent years; and

(4) Due to a lack of evidence, it is difficult for researchers to determine whether the type of snorkel or mask worn increases the risk of drowning.

The legislature further finds that first responders in Maui county have begun to record the type of face mask worn during incidents involving snorkeling. However, not all counties record and collect this important information. Recording standardized, empirical data about the type of snorkel and mask used, if any, will help demonstrate whether certain types of snorkels or masks lead to a higher risk of drowning. The legislature also finds that the safety of visitors and residents is of statewide concern and that this standardized, empirical data may create the opportunity to make well-informed policy changes to decrease the number of snorkeling deaths in the State.

Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to require first responders to record in the incident report for each water rescue event the type of snorkel and mask, if any, worn by the person who was rescued or recovered.

SECTION 3. Chapter 46, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§46-    Water rescue events; incident reports; snorkels and masks. (a) For all water rescue events, the first responder shall record in the incident report the type of snorkel and mask, if any, worn by the person who was rescued or recovered.

(b) As used in this section, "first responder" means:

(1) Any employee of an emergency services provider who is engaged in providing firefighting, ocean safety, or emergency medical services;

(2) A police officer; or

(3) Law enforcement personnel of the department of land and natural resources."

SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $100,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2023-2024 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the department of health to update the reporting technology used in the statewide emergency medical services system for the purposes of this Act.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2023; provided that section 3 shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

David Loasby Law; Snorkels; Masks; Water Rescues; Empirical Data Reporting; DOH; Appropriation

Description:

Requires first responders to record in the incident report for each water rescue event the type of snorkel and mask, if any, worn by the person who was rescued or recovered. Appropriates funds to the department of health to update reporting system technology.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.