Ocean Stewardship Fee now in place; expected to generate up to $5M annually for restoration and outreach projects

At the start of 2024, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources implemented an Ocean Stewardship Fee Program to help fund projects to protect marine resources. The Aloha I Ke Kai program collects a one dollar fee from passengers and customers that board boats with commercial use permits.

Beginning January 1, more than 500 companies with commercial use permits from the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, began collecting the fees. The department’s Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) has now established an online portal for easy and efficient reporting and payment of the fees toward the fund.

“The fee program is directed to actions that enhance the health and abundance of our ocean, which benefits Hawai‘i’s residents, visitors, and our ocean economy,” said DAR Administrator Brian Neilson. “A healthy ocean is inextricably linked to a thriving economy and our way of life.”

State officials say the program is expected to generate $1-$5 million in revenue each year. Stewardship projects supported by the fees are intended to be community-led efforts.

“Local businesses and commercial operators aren’t just collecting fees, but they’re sharing the message and teaching people about the importance of keeping Hawai‘i’s ocean waters vibrant and healthy,” said Neilson. “This is a collective effort to show how sustainable tourism and environmental care can go hand-in-hand. It’s really a win-win for the ocean, ocean users, and operators.”

DAR is allocating a fixed percentage of annual income to different project categories. Any collections that exceed what’s needed for a category, will be allocated to other projects.

• 25% statewide day use mooring buoy
• 20% community stewardship
• 20% coral reef restoration
• 10% improving coastal water quality
• 10% education and outreach
• 5% marine invasive species management
• 5% commercial operator stewardship
• 5% marine debris prevention, response and mitigation 

DAR will provide regular updates on the Aloha i ke Kai website and produce an annual report to share the success and track expenditures of the program.