Travel to Hawaii may soon increase in price for visitors.
A proposed $50 tourist tax, or so-called green fee, aims to proactively protect Hawaii's much-visited natural spaces, such as beaches, and offset the negative effective of over-tourism.
“We saw so clearly the impacts of 10 million annual visitors on our islands that in addition to my proposal, there are several being discussed at the legislature. The bottom line is that we need to generate as much revenue as we can from travelers, to help mitigate those impacts," Hawaii Governor Josh Green told The Points Guy. Green promoted a "climate impact fee" during his campaign.
The Hawaii Green Fee is currently passing through Hawaii's state legislature and is priced at $50 per nonresident over the age of 15, with the goal of generating between $400-500 million annually. Worldwide, protected destinations, including Galapagos National Park and Palau charge over $100 per visitor.
The organizers behind the Green Fee state that they're, "On a mission to build visitor stewardship, conserve our cultural and natural resources, and invest in our ʻāina with a visitor green fee." The hope isn't necessarily to deter people from visiting or build a financial barrier—the financial barrier of a $60 Covid-19 test in recent years did not impact Hawaii's visitor numbers—but rather raise necessary funds to protect, restore, or enhance Hawaii's terrestrial and marine natural resources.
The tourist tax is widely supported by Hawaii residents and would be the first environmental visitor's fee in the United States if it passes. It will not be a substitute for additional fees charged for entering state and national parks.
In 2023, the Green Fee will likely face a vote in Hawaii's House and Senate, and if it passes, move onto Governor Green’s desk to be signed into law.