HI HB1139

Establishes an environmental stewardship fee program administered by the Board of Land and Natural Resources requiring visitors 15 years or older to pay a $50 annual license fee before accessing state-owned beaches, parks, forests, trails, and recreational areas identified as impacted by visitor use.

Creates the Environmental Stewardship Fee Special Fund to receive license revenues, fines, and appropriations, with funds allocated to protect and restore natural resources through projects addressing visitor impacts and building resilience against climate change.

Establishes the Environmental Stewardship Commission comprising ex officio members from relevant state agencies and appointed members with expertise in environmental protection, marine resources, climate resilience, and Native Hawaiian cultural resources to recommend revenue disbursements.

Authorizes the Board to allocate special fund revenues to state agencies for direct resource restoration projects, nonprofit organizations (up to 50% of annual revenues), local governments, and federal grant matching, with prioritization for nature-based solutions and resilience-building projects.

Appropriates $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2025-2026 to the special fund and $250,000 for personnel costs; establishes civil penalties up to an unspecified amount for violations beginning July 1, 2030; exempts Hawaii residents from the fee requirement.