Governor David Ige has signed a bill setting a fee for sea tour operators and other maritime business activities to support conservation efforts.
The Hawaii Ocean Stewardship Special Fund was proposed in the Hawaii House of Representatives this year, and the new fee will go into effect on the first day of 2024 with the aim of helping restore, protect, and manage the state’s marine resources Fixed usage fee of $ 1 per person charged by commercial shipping companies offering everything from sunset cruises to snorkeling and diving trips.
“Hundreds of millions of visitors have enjoyed our great marine resources for decades without contributing directly to their management and protection,” said Suzanne Case, chair of the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, in a statement. “This new fund provides a framework for collecting fees from visitors who use our waters.”
According to the DLNR, the new fee will generate between 14 and 30 million US dollars over 15 years, depending on the tourism figures. Government leases from land and facilities subject to DLNR law will also contribute to the fund.
“Our beautiful oceans and vibrant ecosystems set Hawaii apart from other visitor destinations,” said Brian Neilson, administrator of DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources, in a statement. “Our oceans are exposed to constant threats from repeated coral bleaching, pollution, marine litter and unsustainable fishing practices. The economic importance of marine tourism requires constant investment in critical marine management. The Ocean Stewardship Special Fund is a win-win for reefs, residents, visitors and the economy across the country. “
According to the DLNR, this sustainable source of funding is of crucial importance as the state implements its Holomua: Marine 3030 initiative to effectively manage coastal waters. The initiative is establishing 30% of the coastal waters as a network of marine management areas to help fisheries and ecosystem resilience by 2030.
In addition, Ige signed House Bill 1023, which requires non-Hawaiian residents to acquire a marine recreational fishing license to fish. The income from the sale of licenses goes into sport fish management.
The rule won’t go into effect until administrative procedures are in place, which could take about a year, officials said. The state estimates that once the program starts, fishing license fees will raise more than $ 1 million a year
The two bills are among the nine that Ige has signed that aim to protect the marine environment.
“Together, these bills will criminalize the deliberate trapping and killing of sharks in state waters, generate new revenues from tourism that will be invested directly in ocean stewardship programs, allow state agencies to better manage our fisheries while maintaining economic efficiency and administrative burden on fishermen is reduced, “Ige said in a statement.
