Spate of new laws take effect in Hawaii with new year
A sunken 25-foot sailboat, Epik, was removed from the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor channel Thursday by Sea Engineering Inc. crews under contract with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. The boat sank Tuesday. Calmer surf conditions Thursday allowed the vessel’s mast and keel and major portions of the hull to be removed so there is no longer any hazard to boats entering and leaving the harbor.
A handful of new laws will take effect with the new year in Hawaii, affecting a range of things including public records, abandoned vessels and athletic trainers.
All or portions of 16 bills will take effect Jan. 1.
A public records creates a process for government agencies to be able to appeal decisions by the Office of Information Practices.
Another law clarifies the responsibility for disposing abandoned boats. The Department of Land and Natural Resources wanted the law because it was tired of other agencies asking it to remove abandoned vessels even if they weren’t on state lands.
Athletic trainers will also have new regulations.
Louise Inafuku is president of the Hawaii Athletic Trainers Association. She says there was no state agency for people to report concerns about uncertified trainers.
