Bill > HB1316

This bill addresses concerns about over-tourism and its environmental impacts by establishing a new registration requirement for rental vessels in specific state parks in Hawaii. Beginning January 1, 2026, the bill mandates that any rental vessel (which includes a wide range of watercraft such as kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, boats, and jet skis) must be registered and numbered with the Department of Land and Natural Resources before being rented or offered for rent to the public for use in the navigable waters of three specific state parks: Wailua River State Park on Kauai, Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park on Hawaii Island, and Ahupuaa O Kahana State Park on Oahu. The department will be authorized to establish rules for registration, including setting reasonable fees for initial and annual registration, with all collected fees to be deposited into the State Parks Special Fund. The goal of this legislation is to regulate commercial rentals in state parks, potentially mitigating environmental impacts and managing tourism-related pressures on these natural spaces. The bill defines "vessel" broadly to ensure comprehensive coverage of watercraft that might be rented for use in these areas.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1316&year=2025