Question: I’ve had an organization license plate supporting the state Department of Land and Natural Resources for years. Is information published detailing how much it receives annually or how funds are spent? I’m wondering if that $25 is being put to good use.
Answer: DLNR reports annually to the state Legislature on its “environmentally themed products program,” which include license plate decals.
On its website, www.hawaii.gov/dlnr, click on “Reports,” then “Reports to the Legislature,” then “Status of the Program for Environmentally-Themed Products to Support the Environment” under the Division of Forestry and Wildlife.
So far, DLNR has not spent any license plate-generated funds, and the city might terminate the program for lack of participation.
The division began offering “Protect Our Native Species” decals for placement on the plates to support its information and education program, said DLNR spokeswoman Deborah Ward.
Between fiscal years 2008 and 2011, it raised $6,280: $1,240 in fiscal year 2009, $2,480 in FY 2009, $2,240 in FY 2010 and $320 in FY 2011. Current figures were not available.
“We have not yet spent any of the funds,” Ward said. “We are waiting until we have enough to employ a coordinator for the project.”
The Legislature created the Organization License Plates/Decal Program in 1999 to help specific organizations raise money: nonprofits with the primary purposing of improving the public’s health, education or general welfare; military veterans groups; state or county agencies; and schools.
But an organization is required to have 150 participants within a three-year period. DLNR has had 123 since 2008.
When informed DLNR’s program may be in jeopardy, Ward said, “We will redouble our efforts” to inform people about the program, “whose revenues can help protect native plants and animals.”
Those interested can call the Division of Forestry and Wildlife on Oahu at 587-0166 or the appropriate county motor vehicle office.
Sixteen organizations have been removed from the program over the years, said Dennis Kamimura, chief of the Motor Vehicle and Licensing Division.
Currently, Support Our Troops, Hawaii Chapter, has been sent a warning letter saying it will be removed from the program if it does not meet the statutory requirement by March. Kamimura said he plans to send a warning letter to DLNR at the end of the year.
Eight other organizations currently offer special plates: Aloha Pregnancy Care, Bishop Museum, Hawaii
Alliance for Arts Education, Hawaiian Humane Society, Honolulu Fire Department Fireman’s Fund, Honolulu Police Relief Association Fund, Ke Alii Pauahi Foundation (Kamehameha Schools) and UH Foundation.
Some have raised significant amounts of money since 2001: Bishop Museum ($93,212), Fireman’s Fund ($84,100), Police Relief Association Fund ($77,840) and Hawaiian Humane Society ($63,020).
The city also issues an “America United” license plate decal, which was created in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. That decal does not support any nonprofit, so the initial cost is $5.50 on top of regular fees and taxes, with no additional charges for renewals.
There are 21,597 vehicles currently registered with America United decals.
THE PROGRAM
The initial cost of an organization license plate is $30.50: $25 plate fee, $5 plate replacement fee and
50 cents registration emblem replacement fee. Those fees are in addition to all regular fees and taxes for motor vehicle registration.
Of that, $20 goes to the organization.
Every year when registration is renewed, participants will be charged an additional $25, of which $20 goes to the organization.
Call 532-4325 or go to is.gd/ujGnli.
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Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
