Bill > SB673

This bill establishes an Environmental Stewardship Fee Program within the Department of Land and Natural Resources to address the environmental pressures caused by visitors to Hawaii's natural areas. Starting July 1, 2027, visitors aged 15 and older will be required to purchase an annual license to access state parks, beaches, forests, hiking trails, and other natural areas. The fee will be collected through various convenient methods like a mobile app and website, with the amount to be determined and potentially adjusted every five years. The generated revenue will be deposited into a special fund and used to protect, restore, and manage natural and cultural resources impacted by visitors. The fund can support projects such as restoring marine and terrestrial ecosystems, increasing environmental resilience to climate change, controlling invasive species, and planting native species. The department can also provide grants to counties and nonprofit organizations for environmental projects, with up to 50% of annual revenue allocated to such grants. Additionally, the bill requires the department to submit annual reports to the legislature detailing how the fund has been used to protect Hawaii's natural resources. A portion of the transient accommodations tax will also be allocated to this fund, and the department will receive funding to hire staff to manage the program and develop a strategic implementation plan.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=673&year=2025