Hawaii struggles to maintain its natural habitat due to an oversaturation with tourists. In response, Gov. Josh Green proposed House Bill 442, which would require tourists purchase an annual license in addition to existing fees and taxes.
Hawaii is a popular destination for vacationers around the world. 9.4 million people visited last year. The state suffers from many environmental losses as a result. These include the destruction of coral reefs and the loss of beaches along the coast due to rising sea level.
There have been discussions in the past about the introduction of tourist fees in order to protect the environment, but a law like this has not yet been passed. Hawaii Green Free hopes to continue the momentum gained in previous years.
Green pledged to introduce a fee for climate impact during his governorship campaign to raise funds for conservation efforts in the state. This new ‘green’ fee is expected to raise up to 600 million dollars a year.
Hawaii Senate President Ron Kouchi is among those who support this idea: “Our residents are clear.” Visitors should pay for the impact they have on our natural resources. “When they are guests in our home, they should treat it as they would like us to treat their house when we come.”
Opponents claim that the fee is excessive and unfair to tourists. Tax Foundation of Hawaii claims that this fee would be in conflict with the U.S. Constitution’s Privileges & Immunities clause which prohibits states from discriminating out-of-state tourists.
A second option is to use revenues from the transient accommodation fee. This tax charges tourists 10,25% for their stay in hotels and other rental properties. Hawaii Green Free Coalition opposes the idea, arguing that it would divert funds from other local services and instead provide a separate fund to support conservation efforts.
Gov. The bill was deferred at the beginning of this month. But time is running out for the environment. Gov. Josh Green stated, “If we do not take significant action, the visitor experience will be degraded. More importantly, we won’t have been good stewards of the Hawaii that we call home.”
