Hawaii Introduces Tax on Tourism to Cover Expenses Related to Climate Change Mitigation
Hawaii Introduces Groundbreaking "Green Fee" for Tourists
Starting January 1, 2026, tourists visiting Hawaii will be subject to a new "green fee" on their accommodations. This 0.75% surcharge, the first of its kind in the United States, aims to generate approximately $100 million annually for environmental restoration and climate mitigation efforts[1][2][3][4].
The initiative is part of a broader shift in tourism policies, linking travel to environmental responsibility. Instead of funding infrastructure costs, the green fee targets sustainable tourism funding, prioritizing local values, sustainability, and community engagement over mass-market promotion[3].
The Destination Stewardship Organization, which will replace the Hawaii Tourism Authority, will oversee the new levy. This nonprofit aims to empower local communities and public agencies to invest specifically in mitigation initiatives like controlling fire-prone invasive grasses and preserving coastal ecosystems[3].
The bill, championed by Governor Josh Green, passed after years of stalled attempts in the legislature. The passage was largely influenced by the 2023 Maui wildfires, which caused over $5.5 billion in damages[5].
While the green fee has received widespread support from Hawaii's hospitality sector, critics worry that layering new fees on existing permits and reservations could erode local spending[6]. This concern is echoed in other destinations responding to rising overtourism through taxes and regulation[7].
However, University of Hawaii economist Carl Bonham supports the green fee, stating that it protects the tourism industry[8]. Governor Green believes Hawaii's green fee may offer a roadmap for other U.S. states facing escalating climate costs[9].
The green fee's success in tying tourism to long-term environmental stewardship could set a new gold standard for responsible travel in the climate age[1]. Governor Green expects other places to follow Hawaii's lead and implement similar green fees[9].
Yet, the effectiveness of such travel regulations remains unclear in certain tourist hot spots like Paris, Barcelona, and London, where it's uncertain if current regulations are accomplishing their intended goals[7].
References:
- Hawaii News Now
- Civil Beat
- National Geographic
- Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- Associated Press
- Hawaii Reporter
- The Guardian
- Hawaii Public Radio
- The Hill
- The green fee in Hawaii, a revolutionary climate-change initiative, aims to raise funds for environmental restoration and mitigation efforts, making it a significant step in the intersection of science and finance.
- As the Destination Stewardship Organization oversees the new levy, the focus shifts from mass-market promotion to environmental-science endeavors, aligning travel with the lifestyle choices of a sustainable future.
- With the success of Hawaii's green fee, Governor Green envisions it serving as a blueprint for other states, nudging climate-change policies towards travel regulations, ultimately setting new standards for responsible travel in the environmental-science arena.
