US Edition
Hawaii’s governor signs new hotel tax legislation to help cope with climate change
- Hawaii Governor Josh Green signed legislation on Tuesday to increase taxes on hotel rooms and vacation rentals to fund climate change responses.
- The measure comes in response to the catastrophic 2023 wildfire in Maui, which resulted in 102 fatalities and the near-total destruction of Lahaina town, prompting increased efforts toward climate resilience.
- Starting January 1, the law adds 0.75% to the daily room tax and levies an 11% cruise ship tax from July 2026 to support shoreline replenishment and wildfire prevention.
- Officials expect the updated tax to raise nearly $100 million annually, resulting in a nearly 19% total levy on accommodations, among the highest in the U.S.
- The new funds will back projects like beach restoration, firebreaks, and a fire marshal role, with leaders urging transparent use and similar actions by other regions.
77 Articles
77 Articles
Hawaii to begin charging new ‘Green Fee’ tourist tax: How much will it cost visitors?
HONOLULU (KHON) – Beginning next year, visitors to Hawaii will be subject to a "climate impact fee" which aims to generate funds for mitigating future environmental challenges the state expects to face. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green signed Act 96 into law Tuesday, effectively approving a tax — also known as the "Green Fee" — which is the first of its kind in the nation. "I hope the world is watching because having something that is a balance between in…
Hawaii to begin charging new 'Green Fee' tourist tax: How much will it cost visitors?
HONOLULU (KHON) – Beginning next year, visitors to Hawaii will be subject to a "climate impact fee" which aims to generate funds for mitigating future environmental challenges the state expects to face. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green signed Act 96 into law Tuesday, effectively approving a tax — also known as the "Green Fee" — which is the first of its kind in the nation. More Local News "I hope the world is watching because having something that i…
Hawaiʻi makes history as first state to charge tourists to save environment
Hawaiʻi has officially become the first U.S. state to enact a so-called “green fee” — a charge added onto hotel room stays and other short-term visits to help protect the local environment and address the growing impacts of climate change. Governor Josh Green signed the fee into law Tuesday after years of unsuccessfully urging the Legislature to pass it. Set to take effect next year, the fee could raise around $100 million annually, state offici…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
