Bill > HB1139

This bill establishes an environmental stewardship fee program in Hawaii to collect a $50 annual fee from visitors aged 15 and older who want to access state-owned beaches, parks, forests, trails, and coastlines. The program aims to protect and restore Hawaii's natural and cultural resources by creating a dedicated funding mechanism that requires visitors to contribute to environmental conservation efforts. The bill creates an Environmental Stewardship Commission comprised of government officials and environmental experts who will recommend how to spend the collected fees, and establishes an Environmental Stewardship Fee Special Fund to receive and allocate the revenue. The fund can be used to support direct state agency projects that restore natural resources, provide grants to nonprofit organizations (up to 50% of annual revenues), support local government projects, and provide matching funds for federal grants, with a focus on projects that protect, restore, and increase the resilience of Hawaii's ecological systems. The bill also includes provisions for implementing the program, such as creating convenient payment methods, issuing licenses, and developing a strategic plan. Penalties for non-compliance will not be assessed until July 1, 2030, to allow for public education and effective implementation. The legislature justifies this approach by highlighting the constitutional mandate to protect Hawaii's natural resources and the need to address environmental challenges caused by climate change and increasing visitor impacts.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1139&year=2026