SB 439: BLNR; State Parks; Trails; User Fees; Nonresidents; Rules
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2025-03-20
Current Status:
Failed
(2026-03-20: Received notice of all Senate conferees being discharged (Sen. Com. No. 409).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
Requires the Board of Land and Natural Resources to adopt rules to impose user fees that apply solely to nonresidents visiting state parks and trails, as selected by the Board. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Requires the Board of Land and Natural Resources to adopt rules to impose user fees that apply solely to nonresidents visiting state parks and trails, as selected by the Board. (SD1)
Requires the Board of Land and Natural Resources to adopt rules to impose user fees that solely apply to nonresidents visiting state parks and trails, as selected by the Board.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
439 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO FEES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
"§184- User fees; state parks; trails; nonresidents. (a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the board shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to impose user fees that solely apply to nonresidents visiting state parks and trails; provided that:
(1) The board shall conduct studies to determine those state parks and trails to which the user fees should be applied;
(2) The board may designate the state parks and trails to which the user fees shall apply;
(3) The board may adopt seasonal pricing regarding user fees for state parks and trails;
(4) Any user fee established pursuant to this section shall be adjusted over time for inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index in the Honolulu area as reported by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics;
(5) The board may reduce, increase, or repeal any user fee by adopting, amending, or repealing rules pursuant to chapter 91;
(6) The proceeds of any user fees collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the state parks special fund established pursuant to section 184-3.4; and
(7) This section shall not be construed to impose a minimum amount for any user fee or establish a minimum number of state parks or trails to which user fees shall apply.
(b) As used in this section:
"Board" means the board of land and natural resources.
"Seasonal pricing" means a mechanism that adjusts user fees in response to fluctuations in demand throughout the year."
SECTION 2. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
BLNR; State Parks; Trails; User Fees; Nonresidents; Rules
Description:
Requires the Board of Land and Natural Resources to adopt rules to impose user fees that apply solely to nonresidents visiting state parks and trails, as selected by the Board. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
439 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
S.D. 1 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO FEES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
"§184- User fees; state parks; trails; nonresidents. (a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the board shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to impose user fees that solely apply to nonresidents visiting state parks and trails; provided that:
(1) The board shall conduct studies to determine those state parks and trails to which the user fees should be applied;
(2) The board may designate the state parks and trails to which the user fees shall apply;
(3) Any user fee established pursuant to this section shall be adjusted over time for inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index in the Honolulu area as reported by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics;
(4) The board may reduce, increase, or repeal any user fee by adopting, amending, or repealing rules pursuant to chapter 91;
(5) The proceeds of any user fees collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the state parks special fund established pursuant to section 184-3.4; and
(6) This section shall not be construed to impose a minimum amount for any user fee or establish a minimum number of state parks or trails to which user fees shall apply.
(b) For the purposes of this section, "board" means the board of land and natural resources."
SECTION 2. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Report Title:
BLNR; State Parks; Trails; User Fees; Nonresidents; Rules
Description:
Requires the Board of Land and Natural Resources to adopt rules to impose user fees that apply solely to nonresidents visiting state parks and trails, as selected by the Board. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
439 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO FEES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
"§184- User fees; state parks; trails; nonresidents. (a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the board shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to impose user fees that solely apply to nonresidents visiting state parks and trails; provided that:
(1) The board shall conduct studies regarding which state parks and trails the users fees shall apply;
(2) The board may designate the state parks and trails at which the use fees shall apply;
(3) Any user fee established pursuant to this section shall adjusted over time for inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index in the Honolulu area as reported by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics;
(4) The board may reduce, increase, or repeal any user fee by adopting, amending, or repealing rules pursuant to chapter 91;
(5) The proceeds of any user fees collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the state parks special fund established pursuant to section 184-3.4; and
(6) This section shall not be construed to impose a minimum amount for any user fee, or establish a minimum number of state parks or trails at which user fees shall apply.
(b) For the purposes of this section, "board" means the board of land and natural resources."
SECTION 2. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
State Parks; Trails; User Fees; Nonresidents; Rules
Description:
Requires the Board of Land and Natural Resources to adopt rules to impose user fees that solely apply to nonresidents visiting state parks and trails, as selected by the Board.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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| Mar 20, 2026 | Received notice of all Senate conferees being discharged (Sen. Com. No. 409). |
| Mar 20, 2026 | Senate Conferee(s) discharged. |
| Dec 8, 2025 | Carried over to 2026 Regular Session. |
| Apr 15, 2025 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 789). |
| Apr 15, 2025 | Senate Conferees Appointed: Hashimoto Chair; Kanuha, Fevella. |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Received notice of disagreement (Sen. Com. No. 774). |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Senate disagrees with House amendments. |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 579). |
| Apr 4, 2025 | Passed Third Reading with Representative(s) Garcia voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos voting no (1) and Representative(s) Cochran, Kapela excused (2). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Apr 4, 2025 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1953), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Apr 1, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 14 Ayes: Representative(s) Yamashita, Takenouchi, Grandinetti, Holt, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lamosao, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Templo, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Alcos. |
| Mar 28, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Tuesday, 04-01-25 2:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 21, 2025 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with Representative(s) Garcia voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Garrett, Kapela, Kitagawa, Ward excused (5). |
| Mar 21, 2025 | Reported from TOU/WAL (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1489) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN. |
| Mar 20, 2025 | The committee on WAL recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 8 Ayes: Representative(s) Hashem, Lamosao, Belatti, Ichiyama, Iwamoto, Poepoe, Shimizu, Souza; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Morikawa, Woodson. |
| Mar 20, 2025 | The committee on TOU recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 5 Ayes: Representative(s) Tam, Templo, Hussey, Ilagan, Todd; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Holt, Matsumoto. |
| Mar 17, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by TOU/WAL on Thursday, 03-20-25 9:00AM in House conference room 423 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Referred to TOU/WAL, FIN, referral sheet 19 |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Pass First Reading |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 158) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Feb 27, 2025 | 48 Hrs. Notice 03-04-25. |
| Feb 27, 2025 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1). |
| Feb 27, 2025 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 717) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and placement on the calendar for Third Reading. |
| Feb 18, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in WAM were as follows: 12 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, Aquino, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) DeCoite. |
| Feb 14, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM has scheduled a public hearing on 02-18-25 10:00AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 12, 2025 | Re-Referred to WAM. |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Referred to WTL, WAM. |
| Jan 16, 2025 | Passed First Reading. |
| Jan 16, 2025 | Introduced. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| Apr 4, 2025 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 1, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
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| Mar 20, 2025 | The committee on WAL recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Water & Land |
Passed |
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| Mar 20, 2025 | The committee on TOU recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Tourism |
Passed |
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| Mar 4, 2025 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Feb 18, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
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Position
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Date
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| Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaii (A3H) | *** Against | Mar 20, 2025 |
| Care for ʻĀina Now Coalition | ** Support | |
| Coalition Earth | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Reef and Ocean Coalition | ** Support | |
| Kohala Coast Resort Association | ** Support | |
| Kua`aina Ulu `Auamo (KUA) | ** Support | |
| Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAuamo (KUA) | *** Support | Mar 20, 2025 |
| Resources Legacy Fund | ** Support | |
| the Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaii | ** Against |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1953
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: S.B. No. 439
S.D. 1
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred S.B. No. 439, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FEES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi Reef and Ocean Coalition; Kohala Coast Resort Association; Care for ʻĀina Now Coalition; Resources Legacy Fund; Coalition Earth; and one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Tax Foundation of Hawaii; and Maui Chamber of Commerce.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 439, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,
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____________________________ KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1489
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: S.B. No. 439
S.D. 1
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committees on Tourism and Water & Land, to which was referred S.B. No. 439, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FEES,"
beg leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to require the Board of Land and Natural Resources to adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to impose user fees that solely apply to nonresidents visiting state parks and trails.
Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from Care for ʻĀina Now Coalition; Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAuamo; Coalition Earth; and three individuals. Your Committees received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaii. Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Tax Foundation of Hawaii; and Maui Chamber of Commerce.
Your Committees find that Hawaii's natural environment is central to the State's identity and appeal, offering stunning landscapes and unique ecosystems enjoyed by millions of visitors. Your Committees further find that the fees expected to be generated by this measure would assist the Department of Land and Natural Resources in maintaining state parks and trails without imposing an undue burden on state residents.
Your Committees have amended this measure by:
(1) Authorizing the Board of Land and Natural Resources to adopt seasonal pricing regarding user fees for state parks and trails;
(2) Changing its effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and
(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Tourism and Water & Land that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 439, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 439, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Tourism and Water & Land,
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____________________________ MARK J. HASHEM, Chair |
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____________________________ ADRIAN K. TAM, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 717
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 439
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 439 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FEES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to require the Board of Land and Natural Resources to adopt rules to impose user fees that apply solely to nonresidents visiting state parks and trails selected by the Board.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Kua`aina Ulu `Auamo (KUA), Resources Legacy Fund, Care for `Aina Now Coalition, Coalition Earth, and one individual.
Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from two individuals.
Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of State Parks; Office of Hawaiian Affairs; and Tax Foundation of Hawaii.
Your Committee finds that the fees anticipated by this measure will assist the Department of Land and Natural Resources in defraying the cost of maintaining state parks and trails without imposing an undue burden on state residents.
Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical nonsubstantive changes for purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 439, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 439, S.D. 1, and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,
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________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Apr 1, 2025 | SB439_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_04-01-25_.PDF |
| Mar 20, 2025 | SB439_SD1_TESTIMONY_TOU-WAL_03-20-25_.PDF |
| Feb 18, 2025 | SB439_TESTIMONY_WAM_02-18-25_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
2MIN
House Standing Committee on Finance
12MIN
House Standing Committee on Tourism
12MIN
House Standing Committee on Water & Land
3MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Hawaiian Affairs
3MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means
Bill Author
