Tourists visiting Hawaii from 2026 onwards will face a climate tax for their feeble attempts to enjoy the paradise island, according to new legislation proposed.
Hawaii sets to inaugurate a Climate Impact Fee, often termed as a "Green Fee," on January 1, 2026, to counter climate change and safeguard natural resources. The new levy aims to bolster resilience in the vulnerable island chain.
Hawaii's push to impose this fee marks a first among U.S. states, as revealed by the governor's office. The "Green Fee" will augment the existing transient accommodations tax (TAT) by 0.75%, bringing the total tax to 11% on nightly lodging charges. The fee will apply universally to all short-term accommodations, including hotels, timeshares, and vacation rentals.
The generated revenue will be allocated to fund projects that combat climate change and protect the natural sites that charm tourists. The secretary of the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, noted, "As an archipelago, we cannot afford to delay action against the next disaster. We must foster resilience now."
The funds will support endeavors to mitigate the impacts of climate change, safeguarding natural landscapes and marine life. The green fee intends to harmonize tourism growth with environmental protection, ensuring the sustainability of travel practices. Governor Josh Green asserts that the additional tax should not dissuade tourists, as it will improve the quality of the environment they visit.
The green fee's introduction offers a potentially influential precedent for responsible tourism, establishing a benchmark for other states to follow. The extra revenue generated is estimated to total nearly $100 million annually, around the equivalent of €88 million.
Sources: ntv.de, dpa.
- The new Climate Impact Fee, or "Green Fee," in Hawaii will not only contribute to environmental science and climate-change mitigation efforts, but also fund projects within the realm of environmental-science, as stated by Governor Josh Green.
- This groundbreaking levy in Hawaii, set to counter climate-change and safeguard natural resources, is both an innovative action by the industry and a strategic move in the field of science, as it aims to harmonize tourism growth with environmental protection.
- The estimate of nearly $100 million in annual revenue generated from the Green Fee can spur the development and implementation of essential projects in finance, energy, and environmental conservation, thereby stimulating the growth of the industry while addressing pressing environmental issues.
