In a bid to generate more state revenue, Hawaii has brought back the $50 Green Fee, a measure originally designed as a tax on tourists. The initial plan was to levy this fee through airlines or accommodations; however, it was deemed unconstitutional. As a result, the fee was redesigned to apply to the usage of state facilities such as beaches and parks.
The Green Fee has not been without its critics, who argue that it could potentially deter visitors due to Hawaii’s already high accommodation tax. Despite the criticism, the revenue generated from the fee has been earmarked for specific uses. Governor Green has proposed directing this income towards funding firefighting resources and investigations into incidents like the recent Lahaina fire.
However, there are those who doubt the effective use of these funds, citing Hawaii’s history of fiscal irresponsibility. Unlike Maui’s Mayor Richard Bissen, Governor Green has been commended for his transparency and engagement with contentious issues. This has been particularly evident in his handling of the crisis faced by displaced West Maui residents. He has assured these individuals that they will not be evicted from their hotel accommodations until a permanent housing solution is found.
In addition to the Green Fee, Governor Green has proposed the implementation of a “climate impact fee” for tourists. This is part of his broader strategy to fund preventative measures against future disasters. It is estimated that this climate impact fee could generate a substantial amount of revenue, in the range of $500-$600 million annually. The introduction of this fee underscores the state’s commitment to sustainability and disaster prevention, even as it continues to grapple with fiscal challenges.
