Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii. Travel Pulse
Hawaii might soon make your dream vacation a bit more expensive. The state, known for its high occupancy taxes, is considering a new visitor fee called a climate impact fee or green fee. This fee could be introduced when the next legislative session starts in the new year.
The idea behind this fee is to help manage and protect Hawaii’s environment, which has been hit hard by natural disasters and rising rental costs. Governor Josh Green supports the proposal, believing it could enhance efforts to preserve the state’s natural beauty.
Hawaii might follow New Zealand’s example, where the government recently more than doubled its tourist tax. This move is part of a growing trend where countries charge tourists more to contribute to the upkeep of their environment and infrastructure.
Earlier this year, the proposal for a green fee was rejected by the Hawaii Legislature. Critics argue that adding another fee might deter tourists, who are already facing high costs.
However, Dawn Chang, the Chair of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), has expressed optimism about the proposal. She stated, “Next year, the year of 2025, the governor is going to declare that, ‘The year of climate action’ and I think there will be a concerted effort to advocate for the green fee at the next legislative session.”
Governor Green has named 2025 as “The Year of Climate Action,” signalling a strong push for environmental initiatives, including the potential green fee.
