Hawaii Legislature Passes Taxes On Lodging And Cruise Ships To Deal With Natural Disasters From Warming, Invasives

[hatrack]

Lawmakers in Hawaii have passed first-of-its-kind legislation that will increase the state’s lodging tax to raise money for environmental protection and strengthening defenses against natural disasters fueled by the climate crisis.

Hawaii’s governor, Josh Green, supports the creation of the so-called “green fee”, and is expected to sign it. “This legislation, which I intend to sign, is the first of its kind in the nation and represents a generational commitment to protect our ‘āina [land],” Green said in a statement. “Hawai‘i is truly setting a new standard to address the climate crisis.”

The bill passed on Friday adds a 0.75% levy to the state’s existing tax on hotel rooms, timeshares, vacation rentals and other short-term accommodations. It also imposes a new 11% tax on cruise ship bills, prorated for the number of days the vessels are in Hawaii ports. Officials estimate the tax will generate nearly $100m annually. They say the money will be used for projects like replenishing sand on eroding Waikiki beaches, promoting the use of hurricane clips to secure roofs during powerful storms and clearing flammable invasive grasses like those that fed the deadly wildfire that destroyed downtown Lahaina in 2023.

EDIT

Green, the governor, argued the increase was small enough tourists would not feel much of a difference. As many visitors travel to the state to enjoy the environment, he predicted they would welcome committing dollars to protect shorelines and communities. “The more you cultivate good environmental policy, and the more you invest in perfecting our lived space, the more likely it is we’re going to have actually lifelong, committed travelers to Hawaii,” he told the Associated Press.

EDIT

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/05/hawaii-bill-tax-hotel-tourist-green-fee

[mountain grammy]

1. Good for them! Sending this article to my State Rep and Senator.