HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1878 |
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THRILL CRAFT.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the advancement in technology used for vessel and watersports equipment propulsion has outpaced the State's ability to update its related laws. The legislature further finds that surfboards using motorized hydrofoil technology are reaching speed capabilities of more traditional vessel types, such as thrill craft, and can present safety concerns when motorized hydrofoil surfboards are operated in areas intended only for non-motorized and manually powered vessels and equipment. The legislature recognizes that non‑motorized hydrofoils cannot reach speeds comparable to motorized hydrofoils and therefore should not be considered thrill craft under the state boating law.
Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to modernize the definition of thrill craft, as used in the state boating law, and include within the term surfboards using a motorized hydrofoil, also known as an e-foil.
SECTION 2. Section 200-23, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending the definition of "thrill craft" to read as follows:
""Thrill
craft" means any motorized vessel [that falls into the category of
personal watercraft, and which:] designed to have the operator sit,
stand, kneel, or lie upon the motorized vehicle during regular operation and that
is:
(1) [Is generally less] Less than [thirteen]
sixteen feet in
length as manufactured;
(2) [Is generally capable] Capable of
exceeding a speed of [twenty] fifteen miles per hour;
(3) [Can be] Typically designed to be operated by
a single operator, but may have the capacity to carry passengers while in
operation; or
(4) [Is designed] Designed to provide
similar operating performance [as] to a [personal watercraft] "personal
watercraft", as defined in title 33 Code of Federal Regulations section
174.3, through
a combination of small size, [power plant,] propulsion machinery, performance characteristics, and hull
design.
The term includes[, but is not limited to,] a
jet ski, waverunner, wet bike, surf jet, miniature speed boat, hovercraft, surfboard using a
motorized hydrofoil, and every description of vessel [which] that uses
[an internal
combustion engine] machinery powering a water jet
pump as its primary source of motive propulsion[, and is designed to be operated by a person or
persons sitting, standing, or kneeling on, or being towed behind the vessel]. The
term shall not include any vessel that is designed for the operator and
passengers to sit or stand within the hull during regular operation."
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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By Request |
Report Title:
Maui County Council Package; Ocean Recreation; Thrill Craft; State Boating Law; Definition
Description:
Amends the definition of "thrill craft" in the state boating law.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.