New Kauaʻi laws address environmental stewardship, public access, community priorities

Kauaʻi state legislators and community advocates gathered at the end of last week to celebrate the recent enactment of several key measures that reflect efforts to protect natural resources, improve public land access and support community initiatives on the Garden Isle .

These new laws are the result of extensive planning, advocacy and collaboration led by the Kauaʻi delegation and community stakeholders.

In attendance at this celebratory event were representatives from Hanalei Initiative, Hui Makaʻāinana o Makana, and Hanalei-Wainiha-Hā‘ena Community Association.

“From Hanalei Bay to Wailuā River to Kokeʻe State Park, the Kauaʻi delegation addressed a range of needs identified by residents, community organizations and the Kauaʻi County Council,” said House Speaker Nadine Nakamura, who represents Kauaʻi’s District 15 in a release about the new laws. “I’m so pleased with our accomplishments this past session that will benefit Kauaʻi for generations to come.”

Hawaiʻi Senate President Ronald Kouchi, who represents Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau (District 8), said the legislation reflects a strong partnership between the Garden Isle delegation, government and community.

“We worked collaboratively, not just for the good of our island, but for the benefit of the entire state,” Kouchi said in the release. “Initiatives that began as pilot programs on Kaua‘i are now leading by example for communities across Hawai‘i.”

Lawmakers and community members hailed the passing of the following bills.

HOUSE BILL 1316 (ACT 128): Relating to rental vessel registration

• Rental vessels as of Jan. 1, 2026, will be required to be registered and numbered with the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources before being rented or leased — or offered for rent or lease — by the public for transiting the navigable waters of a state park. Requires registration fees to be deposited into the State Parks Special Fund. Introduced by Nakamura and fellow Kaua‘i state Rep. Luke Evslin, who represents District 16.

“This bill strengthens the state’s ability to regulate watercraft, helping to reduce overcrowding, enhance the visitor experience, protect our natural resources and maintain access for local residents,” Evslin said in the release, adding that it also supports the goals outlined in the state’s Tourism Destination Management Plan.

SENATE BILL 1511 (ACT 280): Relating to vessel access of Hanalei Bay

• Prohibits vessels longer than 75 feet from entering Hanalei Bay along Kaua‘i’s North Shore. Exempts vessels operated by a federal, state or county agency.

HOUSE BILL 1422 (ACT 257): Relating to community organizations providing transportation services

• Exempts community organizations engaged in economic development and providing transportation services from the Motor Carrier Law under certain circumstances.

HOUSE BILL 735 (ACT 224): Relating to wastewater system allowable service size limits

• Allows an individual wastewater system to serve up to 5 bedrooms, regardless of the number of dwellings, dwelling units or accessory units, whether attached or detached, with certain exclusions.

HOUSE BILL 1348 (ACT 225): Relating to public lottery to lease public lands for recreation-residence use

• Requires the Hawai‘i Board of Land and Natural Resources to lease public lands for recreation-residence use by public lottery, under certain conditions, and restrict participation in the public lottery to residents of the county in which the leased land is located, under certain conditions. The measure was introduced by Nakamura, Evslin, their fellow Kaua’i state lawmaker House Majority Floor Leader Rep. Dee Morikawa, who represents Kaua‘i’s District 17, as well as state Reps. Kim Coco Iwamoto and Rachele Lamosao of O’ahu along with Tyson Miyake, who is also House majority whip, of Maui.

“By restricting the lottery to county residents, this bill will ensure that our local people have priority access to public lands,” Morikawa said in the release. “This measure reflects 5 years of collaboration between State Parks and the Kōkeʻe community to create a shared vision for managing this historic area. Additionally, we received unanimous community support and overwhelming backing from the Kōkeʻe leaseholder community.”