Hawai'i has introduced a new fee for nonresidents wishing to fish in its waters. The change took effect on May 2, 2024, and aims to generate $1 million annually for the fishing industry. The funds from the license sales will be used for ocean-related projects like fish aggregation devices (FADs), artificial reefs, and stock enhancement.

As per the Department of Land and Natural Resources release on the Office of the Governor website, the law requiring non-resident fishing licenses was passed in June 2021 by the Hawai'i State Legislature. The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has set the cost at $20 for a one-day license, $40 for a seven-day license, and $70 for an annual license. Active-duty military personnel and their family and nonresident youth under 15 years old are exempt from these fees.

The new rule was established through Act 306 and changes to Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) §188-72.