HI SB636

Establishes a visitor green fee program requiring nonresidents age 15 and older to purchase a $50 annual license to access Hawaii's state parks, beaches, trails, forests, and coastal areas, effective July 1, 2024, with exemptions for active-duty U.S. military.

Creates the Hawaii Environmental Legacy Special Fund to receive all visitor green fee revenues, with at least 50% annually distributed as grants to local governments, nonprofits, and community organizations, and up to 50% allocated to state agencies.

Establishes the Hawaii Environmental Legacy Commission composed of environmental nonprofit representatives, Native Hawaiian community members, state agency staff, Hawaii Tourism Authority representative, and a youth representative to rank project applications and recommend fund allocations to the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

Directs fund allocations toward protection and restoration of natural and cultural resources, climate resilience, invasive species control, interpretive facilities, and projects that create jobs for Hawaii residents and involve local communities.

Authorizes the department to adjust the visitor green fee annually by up to the consumer price index rate, compounded and rounded to the nearest dollar, with a cap on fee adjustments of once every five years.