Hanauma Bay is a scenic spot in Honolulu on Hawaii’s Oahu island. Travel Pulse
Hawaiʻi has taken a bold new step to protect its environment. The state has passed a law that will add a new fee for people staying in hotels or other short-term places like rentals or cruise ships. This money will help fight climate change and prepare for future natural disasters. It’s the first state in the country to do something like this.
What the Law Means
The new law adds a small fee to the cost of a visitor’s stay. Starting January 1, 2026, Hawaiʻi will increase its visitor tax from 10.25% to 11%. The extra 0.75% is called the "green fee." For example, if someone stays in a hotel room that costs $400 a night, they will pay about $3 more because of this new fee.
Why This Law Matters
Governor Josh Green signed the bill into law after years of efforts. He believes it’s a smart move that more places will need to follow. “Hawaiʻi’s doing what other states and other nations are going to have to do,” he said. Green explained that it’s important to find a balance between tourism and protecting nature.
The green fee will help the state bring in around $100 million every year. That money will go toward protecting beaches, forests, and ocean life. It will also help repair damage after natural disasters like storms, floods, and droughts, which are becoming more common because of climate change.
Helping Locals and Nature
The extra funds will reduce the cost of disaster clean-up that local people often have to pay. This is important because the federal government has been cutting back on disaster aid. Some states have already been denied help after tornadoes and storms. Hawaiʻi wants to make sure it can take care of itself during such times.
Cruise Ships Now Included
The new green fee doesn’t just apply to hotels. It also includes cruise ships. People staying in cruise cabins overnight will have to pay the fee too. That’s a big change because the older tax didn’t apply to cruises.
Not everyone is happy about this. The cruise industry has pushed back. A group that represents cruise companies has said the new law is unfair. They may go to court to try and stop it. They argue it breaks a rule that says states can’t charge fees based on ship size without approval from Congress.
Looking to the Future
Hawaiʻi’s new law shows it wants to lead the way in caring for the planet. The fee may seem small, but it could make a big difference. With climate change bringing stronger storms and rising costs, the state is choosing to prepare rather than wait.
