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HR 113

REQUESTING GOOGLE MAPS, APPLE MAPS, AND SIMILAR DIGITAL MAPPING AND NAVIGATION PLATFORMS TO REMOVE, MODIFY, OR RESTRICT THE PUBLIC IDENTIFICATION, LABELING, AND PROMOTION OF HAZARDOUS COASTAL FEATURES, INCLUDING MERMAID CAVES.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Darius Kila and 1 co-sponsor

Hawaii requests digital mapping platforms remove or restrict identification of hazardous coastal features to reduce tourist injuries and deaths at dangerous sites.

Reported from ECD (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1644-26), recommending referral to WAL.
#applemaps #googlemaps #hazardouscoastalfeatures #mermaidcave
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Bill Summary · HR 113

Legislative bill overview

HR 113 requests that Google Maps, Apple Maps, and similar digital mapping platforms remove, modify, or restrict public identification and promotion of hazardous coastal features in Hawaii, specifically including "Mermaid Caves." The bill aims to reduce public access to information about dangerous coastal locations that may attract visitors to risky areas.

Why is this important

Coastal hazards cause drowning deaths and serious injuries each year, particularly among tourists unfamiliar with local conditions. The bill addresses a genuine public safety concern by attempting to limit how mapping platforms advertise dangerous locations. However, it raises broader questions about information access, the effectiveness of restricting publicly available data, and who decides what information citizens should see.

Potential points of contention

  • Information access vs. safety: Restricting public information raises concerns about government control over digital platforms and whether hiding hazard locations actually prevents accidents or merely shifts liability
  • Feasibility and enforcement: Private companies may resist removing or modifying content, and alternative information sources (social media, word-of-mouth, other websites) would likely still publicize these locations regardless
  • Scope and definition: The bill's language about "restriction" and "modification" is vague—it's unclear what changes would satisfy the request or whether platforms would comply with a non-binding request from a state legislature

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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