HCC §2-168

Who pays for rescue costs after gross negligence

Read the official text at hawaiicounty.gov ↗

If someone's gross carelessness puts another person in danger and a rescue is needed, that person must pay the county back for the rescue costs. This payment is on top of any other legal penalties. The law applies to anyone who caused or helped cause the dangerous situation.

everyone

The ordinance, as written (Hawaiʻi County) — Gross negligence

A copy, taken August 21, 2026. The version published by Hawaiʻi County is the one that governs, and it may have changed since. Check it before relying on anything here.

Any and all persons who, because of gross negligence, cause or contribute to the placement of an individual or individuals in a situation of distress or peril which results in a rescue operation shall be liable to the County for all recoverable expenses resulting from the rescue operation. This shall be in addition to any and all penalties provided by law. (1993, ord 93-77, sec 1.)2-168

Read the official text at hawaiicounty.gov ↗as published Jul 16, 2026our copy taken Aug 21, 2026

Published by the County of Hawaiʻi Office of the County Clerk.

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.