HB 2368 Summary

• Directs the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to conduct a comprehensive study on Hawaii's natural resource management funding, plans, and programs related to achieving Aloha+ Challenge 2030 goals for ocean, forest, and freshwater ecosystems.

• Requires study to identify current funding sources, conservation funding gaps, priority areas under threat, and analysis of tax and fee structures affecting residents and visitors.

• Mandates examination of innovative financing mechanisms such as green fees and other assessments for natural resource management and climate change mitigation.

• Requires interim report by December 31, 2022 and final report with seven-year implementation plan and funding recommendations by October 31, 2023, developed in consultation with state agencies, tourism authority, business groups, and non-governmental organizations.

• Appropriates general revenue funds for fiscal year 2022-2023 to conduct the study, contingent on obtaining matching funds from the private sector for at least 50 percent of study costs; effective July 1, 2022.