HB 2426 authorizes state funds to expand Wailuku River State Park. The bill allocates specific funding for adding new land or facilities to the park. This expansion would directly benefit park visitors and the local community by increasing available recreational space. The bill is currently pending committee review after its introduction on January 27, 2026.
SB 1559 appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program for dune restoration work at Hanakaoo Beach Park. The bill directly affects the Hanakaoo Beach Park area by providing dedicated funding for ecological restoration efforts. Key provisions include allocating state funds specifically for the University of Hawaii Sea Grant program to implement dune restoration, with the measure becoming effective July 31, 2050. This is a funding bill focused on environmental restoration, not a policy change affecting broader populations or regulations.
Authorizes and provides funding for the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, in coordination with relevant state agencies, to identify and, if legally permissible, resolve survey deficiencies and wastewater compliance issues on non-agricultural park lands. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
SB 209 prohibits the use of 1,000,000 or more gallons of water annually for recreational or ornamental purposes, such as maintaining decorative fountains, golf course landscaping, or public park features. It directly affects large water users like resorts, golf courses, and municipal parks that rely on significant water volumes for non-essential aesthetic or leisure activities. The bill establishes a clear annual usage threshold, requiring these entities to reduce or eliminate water consumption above this limit for specified purposes. The bill is currently pending in committee review for the 2026 legislative session.
Authorizes the counties to close or restrict public lands under the county's jurisdiction when necessary to protect public health, ensure public safety, or preserve natural or cultural resources. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Authorizes the counties to close public lands when necessary to protect public health, ensure public safety, or preserve natural or cultural resources.
Authorizes the Ocean Stewardship Special Fund to be used for planning, development, designing, or implementation of beach restoration projects, including the awarding of grants to nonprofit organizations for beach and nearshore environmental cleanup.
Requires the Department of Agriculture to accept the transfer of and manage certain qualifying non-agricultural park lands. Allows the Department of Agriculture to request information related to easements prior to any transfer of certain qualifying non-agricultural park lands. Requires approval from the Board of Land and Natural Resources and the Board of Agriculture before removing pasture lands for reforestation, or other public purposes.
Establishes the Environmental Stewardship Fee Program within the Department of Land and Natural Resources, through which the DLNR shall, after 7/1/27, collect a fee from visitors for a license to visit a state park, forest, hiking trail, or other state natural area. Establishes the Environmental Stewardship Fee Special Fund. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.
SB 2606 creates the Freshwater State Recreation Area Wildlife Sanctuary Corporation, a dedicated nonprofit entity to manage and operate the Freshwater State Recreation Area Wildlife Sanctuary. This bill establishes the corporation’s structure and purpose but does not alter existing wildlife laws or create new regulations. The corporation will handle day-to-day conservation, visitor services, and facility maintenance for the sanctuary, directly affecting its management and operations.
