Hawaii will charge climate tax to hotels

Legislators in Hawaii Legislation was passed to increase taxes on hotels, vacation rental homes, and short-term accommodations. This lodging tax was also nicknamed the “green fee” as the money would be used to assist the islands in dealing with climate change.

“This legislation, which I intend to sign, is the first of its kind in the nation and represents a generational commitment to protect our ‘āina. Hawai‘i is truly setting a new standard to address the climate crisis,” Governor Joshua Green In a press release obtained by Travel + Leisure.

The lodging tax will increase to 11 per cent on Jan. 1, 2020, when this bill comes into effect. The bill also imposes new taxes of 11 percent on cruise ship passengersProrated according to the number of days that their vessel is in an Hawaiian port.

Hawaii is visited by about 10 million people each year. The popularity of the islands has been a major factor in its growth. It is necessary to raise funds for the restoration of coral reefs that are frequently visited, protection from wildlife harassment such as Hawaiian monk seals, and maintenance of hiking trails popular with tourists.

The tax increase is expected to generate $100 million annually. Hawaii leaders said the money would be used to fund both short and long term projects. These include helping locals install Hurricane clips on roofs so they can stay safe during storms. They will also replenish sand that has been eroded from the beaches. WaikikiThe removal of invasive plants that caused the deadly Lahaina Wildfire in 2023.

Green stated that this measure was crucial, given the devastation seen on Maui August 2023. It will help us deal with the wildfire risks resulting from climate change. “It is foundational to our ability to provide a safe and secure Hawai‘i for our children, our residents, our visitors and the environment.”