Hawaii Enacts Tourist 'Green Fee' to Fund $100M Annual Climate Projects

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green has signed into law a new "Green Fee" that increases the state's transient accommodations tax by 0.75%, raising hotel, cruise ship, and vacation rental costs starting January 1, 2026. The additional revenue, projected to generate nearly $100 million annually, will fund climate change mitigation efforts including beach restoration, wildfire prevention, invasive species control, and the development of green jobs. The legislation also includes a new 11% tax on cruise ship bills beginning in July 2026, prorated by port days. The governor emphasized that this fee ensures visitors contribute to the state's environmental preservation and resilience, highlighting the urgent need for firebreaks and infrastructure hardening following recent wildfires in Maui. Tourists interviewed in Waikiki expressed support for the modest tax increase, viewing it as a reasonable contribution to protecting Hawaii’s natural resources. This initiative marks the first of its kind in the U.S. and reflects Hawaii's leadership in climate resilience funding.