Hawaii has passed a pioneering lodging tax legislation aimed at raising funds for environmental preservation and disaster preparedness in response to the climate crisis. Governor Josh Green supports this initiative, dubbed a 'green fee', asserting it sets a new national standard. The bill adds a 0.75% surcharge on existing accommodation taxes and introduces an 11% cruise ship tax, expected to generate nearly $100 million annually for projects addressing coastal erosion and wildfire risks. Lawmakers hope the increase will be negligible for tourists while empowering local environmental initiatives.
Hawaii lawmakers' legislation, the first in the US, increases lodging taxes for environmental protection and disaster resilience funding amid a growing climate crisis.
Governor Green emphasizes this tax increase is minimal for tourists, aiming to ensure their contributions support the preservation of Hawaii’s natural beauty and community protection.
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