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,

____________________________ MARK J. HASHEM, Chair

____________________________ ADRIAN K. TAM, Chair