HI HB752

Establishes an Environmental Stewardship Fee Program within the Department of Land and Natural Resources requiring visitors aged 15 and older to purchase a license before accessing state parks, beaches, forests, hiking trails, and other natural areas on state land, effective July 1, 2027

Creates the Environmental Stewardship Fee Special Fund effective July 1, 2025, funded by license fees, civil fines, transient accommodations tax allocations, legislative appropriations, and grants to support protection, restoration, and management of natural resources impacted by visitors

Licenses are valid for one year from issuance and may be purchased through a mobile app, website, or authorized retail establishments and nonprofit organizations; the fee amount may be increased by rule no more than once every five years

Civil fines may be imposed on visitors who access designated areas without a license, though penalty enforcement cannot begin until at least five years after the Act's effective date to allow for implementation and public education

Appropriates unspecified funds for fiscal years 2025-2027 to develop a strategic plan and hire 5 full-time staff positions including program specialists, an office assistant, a clerk, and an accountant