Hawaii's ‘green’ tourism tax will help preserve paradise: Governor
Share this @internewscast.com


() Hawaii’s new “green” tourism tax, believed to be the first of its kind in the nation, is necessary for the islands to offset the effects of climate change and millions of yearly visitors, Gov. Josh Green says.

Under a measure he signed into law this week, the state’s tax on hotels and short-term rentals will be increased 0.75% for a total of 11%. The new levy is expected to generate $100 million annually. Green said the money will be used for environmental expenses such as erosion control, beach maintenance and building firebreaks.

“In order to protect and maintain Hawaii and paradise, we have to have dedicated resources,” Green told “ Now” Friday, noting that tourists would pay an additional $3 on a $400-a-night hotel room.

Green said the deadly Lahaina wildfire of 2023 cost the state $13 billion and 102 lives. He said the so-called green tax is a cost of living with climate change.

“The rest of the world is going to awaken to this reality, whether they like taxes or not, whether they acknowledge climate change or not,” he said. “There are these storms, there are these threats. We’re seeing them all over the place.”

Green said he doesn’t think the new tax, effective Jan. 1, will discourage visitors because tourists are used to paying a premium in Hawaii.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Exclusive Early Shopping Hours for Costco Executive Members Beginning September

(WJW) — Costco stores may see fewer customers in the mornings as…

Florida CFO Ingoglia commits to insurer accountability, announces 2026 election run

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) – Recently, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Blaise Ingoglia as…

Google Claims Gmail Security Alert is ‘Incorrect’—Here’s How to Boost Your Security

Did you come across alarming news this weekend suggesting that you must…

Weather Update from Storm Team 3: Expect Warmer Temperatures with a Chance of Showers in the Middle of the Week

In Savannah, Ga., Labor Day offered splendid weather with afternoon highs only…

Images Unveiled from Bryan Kohberger’s Apartment

The Idaho State Police have unveiled a collection of 699 photographs taken…

Xi and Putin Strengthen Longstanding Partnership Amid US Tensions

BEIJING – Chinese leader Xi Jinping greeted Russian President Vladimir Putin as…

Prosecutors Request to Relocate Former Letcher County Sheriff’s Murder Trial to Different County

STATE PROSECUTORS SEEK VENUE CHANGE FOR SHERIFF’S TRIAL IN KY. (WJHL) —…

Man Faces Murder Charges After Fatal Shooting Incident with Friend

A man is facing a murder charge over his friend’s death after…

Frontier introduces exclusive early access to its ‘All-You-Can-Fly’ annual pass

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)— Frontier Airlines launched a limited-time early access to its…

Army Football Player and His Dad Save Man from Car Fire

A college football player and his father made a lifesaving play over…

Illinois State Police Reveal Outcomes of Nighttime Patrol Enforcement

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Almost 30 individuals were cited or arrested in…

Champaign Co. Labor Day Parade: Celebrating the True Spirit Beyond a Day Off

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — For many in Central Illinois, a day off…