Yesterday, Governor Josh Green, M.D. signed into law, Act 72 (2023), (HB1183 HD1 SD2 CD1), establishing a path toward mitigating over-tourism impacts on state parks. The new law exempts nonprofit parking lot and concession operators from bidding requirements for operating at certain state parks.

Governor Green signed the bill at Hāʻena State Park, one of the state’s busiest state parks, resulting in overcrowding, degradation of resources, and safety hazards.

The exemption under the bill would apply only to certain operations supported by nonprofit corporations within state parks, that are designated by the Board of Land and Natural Resources as environmentally, culturally, historically, or operationally unique. The exemption is modeled after the existing exemption in state law for certain county zoos, botanical gardens, and county parks.

Cooperative agreements for stewardship and management with private partners, including nonprofit organizations, have shown to be an effective management tool to increase the quality of experience and resource protection in state parks. The new law solidifies future management of state parks through community partnerships.

 Act 72 took effect upon Governor Green’s signature.

Photo credit: Office of Governor Josh Green