Hawaii enacts ‘green fee’ on tourists to raise $100M annually for climate, ecology protection

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, a Democrat, has signed into rule a “Green Fee” measure that will raise tourer taxes to thief money “climate-change” mitigation.

Senate Bill 1396 raises nan tourer taxation connected Hawaii hotels to 11% starting Jan. 1 — which would past summation to 12% nan pursuing year, according to nan matter of nan bill.

Portions of nan gross raised would spell into nan “Climate Mitigation and Resiliency Special Fund” and nan “Economic Development and Revitalization Special Fund,” according to nan bill.

The measure addresses invasive species, wildlife conservation and formation guidance and restoration.

It will besides thief money a “green jobs younker corps” and areas of biology concern.

“Hawaiʻi is astatine nan forefront of protecting our earthy resources, recognizing their basal domiciled successful sustaining nan ecological, taste and economical wellness of Hawaiʻi,” said Gov. Green successful a property release.

The Aloha State politician added, “The interest will reconstruct and remediate our beaches and shorelines and harden infrastructure captious to nan wellness and information of each who telephone Hawaiʻi home, whether for a fewer days aliases a lifetime.”

In 2023, 9.6 cardinal visitors traveled to Hawaii, according to nan Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Hawaii already has a 10.25% taxation connected short-term rentals.

The state’s counties each adhd their ain 3% surcharge connected apical of nan state’s tax, according to FOX 13.

“Hawaii already imposes what immoderate judge are precocious taxes connected nan hospitality assemblage and short-term stays,” said Travel Tomorrow.

The Green Fee is projected to make $100 cardinal annually, according to nan release.