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Rock climbing bill gains ground in Hawaii Senate

By Associated Press

POSTED:
LAST UPDATED: 12:40 p.m. HST, Feb 22, 2013

Mike "Bugman" Richardson scales Jungle Sport Wall on the North Shore of Oahu. (Courtesy Olivier Koning)

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means has pushed forward a bill to make it easier for people to climb mountains in Hawaii.

The bill would limit the state’s liability for people involved in rock climbing, mountain climbing and rappelling on government land. 

Many Hawaii residents support the proposal and say the state’s concern about getting sued interferes with their ability to enjoy scaling Hawaii’s mountains. They say the state closed a popular rock climbing spot on the North Shore last year after a young girl was injured.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources and the state attorney general support the bill. The attorney general says currently the state is vulnerable to lawsuits.






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Tony91 wrote:
In general, Hawaii is not a great place for rock climbing. Lava rock is pourous and prone to crumbling, particularly when climbing devices are used.
on February 22,2013 | 11:57AM
jomama wrote:
that used to be the consensus however there are many types of rock in Hawaii suitable to climbing.
on February 22,2013 | 10:30PM
Bdpapa wrote:
Why are they wasting time for such a small number of people wo, if hurt, will sue anyway? Just ban it.
on February 22,2013 | 12:10PM
Snator wrote:
Yeah Bdpapa, we should just ban everything that could be construed as a dangerous activity. Rock climbing, hiking, surfing, swimming, walking. We should just sit inside and make inane comments on the computer all day instead.
on February 22,2013 | 12:27PM
copperwire9 wrote:
My thoughts exactly, Snator.
on February 22,2013 | 01:09PM
noheawilli wrote:
Yes! Free the state from liability and Free us to enjoy this beautiful place as our home.
on February 22,2013 | 01:18PM
aomohoa wrote:
If they fall they better be liable for their own medical bills and rescue charges.
on February 22,2013 | 03:39PM
entrkn wrote:
Rock Climbing in Hawaii is inherently unsafe and the state should not approve it if there is ANY liability to anyone.
on February 22,2013 | 04:54PM
jomama wrote:
Might as well ban surfing too. Any ocean sports for that matter. 1 person on average drowns a week in Hawaii, only half are tourists.
on February 22,2013 | 10:31PM
mauka888 wrote:
Good bill ... Let those climbers have their fun with no liability from the state. Keep climbing!!
on February 23,2013 | 07:20AM
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