HB 980 Summary: Recreational Renaissance Program

• Establishes a recreational renaissance special fund within the Department of Land and Natural Resources to upgrade and maintain state parks, trails, and ocean recreation facilities, funded through appropriations, fees, grants, and transfers from existing special funds.

• Authorizes the development of at least 119 acres of light industrial space at Keehi Lagoon as a long-term revenue source for park and conservation activities, contingent on federal approval of alternative mitigation projects by July 1, 2011.

• Amends moorage fee provisions for state small boat harbors to allow appraisal-based pricing with schedule A (existing permittees with five-year phase-in) and schedule B (new applicants), plus utility and common area maintenance fees; permits commercial vessel mooring up to 35% of berths at Keehi harbor.

• Permits industrial park development through partnerships with federal agencies, counties, or private entities without requiring competitive procurement under HRS Chapter 103D for private party selection.

• Identifies 29 specific boating facilities and 60 state parks and forest reserves eligible for recreational renaissance improvements including infrastructure, facilities, trails, and environmental restoration.