Hawaii’s Governor Josh Green is championing a new initiative to introduce a $25 climate tax on tourists visiting the state. This move comes as a response to the growing environmental concerns exacerbated by tourism, highlighted by the tragic wildfires in Lahaina, Maui, which resulted in 100 fatalities and an estimated $6 billion in reconstruction costs.
This proposed legislation is designed to mitigate the environmental impact of the 9.5 million tourists who visited Hawaii last year. The aim is to preserve the state’s natural resources, which are under increasing pressure from visitor influx. Previously, a $50 green fee for accessing state parks and beaches was considered but did not pass. This new measure, focusing exclusively on a climate impact fee, seeks to avoid additional tax burdens on Hawaii residents while encouraging tourists to contribute to the preservation of the environment and increase awareness of climate change impacts.
Governor Green, a Democrat, is keen on reviving and pushing through this initiative. “We had a setback last year, but the recent disaster in Maui underscores the need for such a program,” he stated. The expected revenue from this tax, around $68 million annually, would fund various environmental projects including wildfire and flood prevention, coral reef restoration, and emergency supplies.
Governor Green emphasizes that this fee is minimal compared to other charges tourists already pay, such as resort fees. He remains open to alternative proposals that achieve similar environmental goals. Other lawmakers are considering different approaches, like annual licenses for hiking trails and parks, and there’s also a discussion on raising the state hotel tax, one of the highest in the nation.
This pioneering policy, if passed, would be a first in the United States. It follows the lead of several international destinations like Greece, New Zealand, Venice, and the Galapagos Islands, which have implemented similar charges for tourists to support tourism-related infrastructure. Governor Green is optimistic about the bill’s prospects, given the urgent need to address Hawaii’s environmental challenges.
