Relating To Natural Resources Management.
The bill introduces a special fund, the Visitor Green Fee Special Fund, administered by the Board of Land and Natural Resources, to manage the collected fees. This fund will be utilized to support various initiatives, including wildlife conservation, restoration projects, and landscape management efforts. Additionally, it mandates the establishment of an Environmental Legacy Commission to oversee fund disbursement and ensure that investments are made in projects that foster both ecological health and community engagement.
SB1349 seeks to establish a Visitor Green Fee Program in Hawaii, requiring visitors aged fifteen and older to pay a fee when accessing state-owned parks, beaches, forests, and other natural areas. The revenue generated from this fee will be allocated to the protection, restoration, and management of Hawaii's natural and cultural resources. By implementing this program, the state aims to address the significant environmental pressures caused by high levels of visitor use, providing a means to sustainably fund the ongoing care of its unique ecosystems and cultural heritage sites.
Notable points of contention may arise regarding the imposition of fees on visitors, which might be perceived by some as a barrier to accessing Hawaii's public natural resources. Moreover, the effectiveness of the program in actually improving environmental conditions is dependent on transparent management and strategic expenditure of funds. Critics may argue about the adequacy of the fee structure and its implications on visitor numbers, especially as the bill allows for adjustments in fees based on evolving environmental needs.