hawaii beach
Share this @internewscast.com

HONOLULU (KHON) – Starting next year, tourists visiting Hawaii will need to pay a “climate impact fee,” designed to provide financial support for addressing upcoming environmental issues the state anticipates.

Hawaii’s Governor, Josh Green, officially enacted Act 96 on Tuesday, introducing the nation’s first tax of this nature, termed the “Green Fee.”

“I am optimistic that the world will take notice because finding harmony between industry and the environment is essential for safeguarding our citizens […],” stated Green. “Above all, it’s about ensuring the quality of life and opportunities we desire for the next generations.”

hawaii beach
A new law in Hawaii will hike the Transient Accommodation Tax to raise money for environmental protections. (Getty Images)

The law now increases the the state’s Transient Accommodation Tax (TAT) by .75%, to 11%. This fee will be applied to costs for tourism-related activities including hotels and cruise ships that dock in Hawaii.

To break that down, for every $400 spent, $3 will go towards natural resource protection.

The bill is projected to raise an estimated $100 million a year to address what the state says is about half a billion dollars in critical funding needed to protect Hawaii’s environment.

“The visitor industry will struggle if we do not take action now,” said State Rep. Adrian Tam, chair of the House Committee on Tourism.

Unlike other state programs, the money generated won’t go into a dedicated special fund. Instead, the legislature will reevaluate priorities each year to decide where the money should go based on the greatest environmental need.

The areas of priority are protecting land and aquatic resources, climate and hazard resiliency and sustainable tourism.

The Grassroots Institute of Hawaiʻi, a longtime opponent of the bill, argues that it could end up hurting more than it helps.

“There’s nothing like a Hawaiʻi vacation and that is 100% true. But that doesn’t mean that it won’t affect visitor spending and the attractiveness of the Hawaiʻi as a destination,” said Malia Hill, policy director at the Grassroots Institute of Hawaiʻi.

They argue the fee won’t just fall on tourists, it will also impact local residents and small businesses.

“We travel interisland, for work, to see family, to see friends. So it is a tax on locals, and you cannot get away from that,” Hill said.

Act 96 takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Huge Blaze Breaks Out at Chevron Refinery Near Los Angeles

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (NEXSTAR) A fire erupted at the Chevron oil refinery…

Tyrese Gibson Arrested for Alleged Animal Cruelty

IE 11 is not supported. To get the best experience, please visit…

Trump Reacts to News of Hamas’s Hostage Release Agreement

IE 11 is not supported. For the best experience, consider visiting our…

“BVPD: Search Warrant at Condemned House Leads to 4 Arrests”

Photo courtesy of the Bristol, Virginia Police Department BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL) —…

Johnson City Resident Faces Charges of Statutory Rape

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A Johnson City man has been charged…

Judge Issues 14-Day Deadline to Appoint New Prosecutor in Trump Georgia Case to Avoid Dismissal

A Georgia judge has imposed a two-week deadline on a state agency…

Cyclist sets new world record by riding up the Eiffel Tower

Internet Explorer 11 is not supported. For the best experience, please access…

Lebanon, Virginia Resident Found Guilty of Child Sex Crimes

LEBANON, Va. (WJHL) — A Lebanon, Virginia man was found guilty of…

Nationwide Toy Recall Issued Over Lead Concerns: CPSC

TOPEKA (KSNT) – Federal officials are encouraging people to destroy a toy…

Dashcam Footage Captures Gunshots During High-Speed Car Pursuit

Internet Explorer 11 is not supported. To ensure the best experience, please…

Tyrese Gibson Faces Animal Cruelty Charges Related to Dog Incident

Actor Tyrese Gibson, known for his role in the “Fast and Furious”…

Theo Von Claims He Was Offered Security Due to DHS Footage

Comedian Theo Von revealed that a “high government official” extended an offer…