We said a month ago that the much-touted, governor-endorsed, visitor-unpopular green (or Green – referring to Governor Green) fee would not pass. That was confirmed yesterday when all efforts to sustain it failed in the Hawaii State Legislature and the measure sank.
Controversial green fee proponent Hawaii House Tourism head Sean Quinlan was disappointed and said the bill failed not on its own merits but rather on the legislature’s last-ditch efforts to complete as many other bills as possible. Whether that’s the reality isn’t yet clear. In the end, the bill simply failed. Die-hard Quinlan said he would not give up on his efforts, however.
The notion of the $50 “visitor impact” fee, as it was euphemistically referred to by supporters, and a key element of Governor Josh Green’s successful gubernatorial campaign, morphed in various ways.
First, the governor wanted to have a blanket tax on the arrival of all visitors.
Those $50 per head fees were to have been paid by visitors through airlines or accommodations. That prospect was likely unconstitutional, among other problems, which saw the governor pull back from his implementation concept.
Then the fee was transformed into a charge that the state would implement on the use of any state parks or other facilities by visitors. That was vague at best and problematic regarding whether it could be effectively implemented on ten million annual visitors. That was going to be paid for by visitors whenever they visited state-controlled parks, beaches, or trails. What was envisioned was a permit or license that would be acquired either online or through physical locations.
State DLNR supported yet failed to convince the legislature regarding the $50 green fee.
DLNR was another proponent of the Hawaii green fee and also proposed the creation of grants to fund nonprofits to support the effort in some way. DLNR compared Hawaii with other tourist destinations needing resource preservation, such as New Zealand, the Galapagos Islands, and the Republic of Pilau. Those, however, are countries rather than states within a country, among other differences.
The state DLNR failed to assure the legislature that it could enforce the fee, even by hiring the planned additional staff.
With the Green fee gone, what other Hawaii visitor fees/reservations should you prepare for?
Specific rules, fees, and reservations will continue to be associated with some state parks, and the number of parks with such regulations will undoubtedly continue to grow. Notable parks with fees in effect include the following:
- Diamond Head State Monument
- Hanauma Bay State Park
- Wainapanapa State Park
- Haena State Park.
The latest state park to add visitor fees and reservations just this month is The Iao Valley State Monument on Maui. We also wondered whether Polihale State Park on Kauai might be one of the next fee and reservation additions.
Hawaii visitors and residents questioned the state’s squandering of money.
There was well-intended planning for earmarking the money collected to preserve the state’s natural resources. At the same time, Hawaii is infamous for such money never reaching its intended goals.
Visitors naturally wonder where the highest accommodation tax in the country goes. It certainly isn’t apparent in the woefully lacking Hawaii infrastructure.
Not only that, but there is outrage among visitors and residents about how the state is failing to maintain its infrastructure, including public roads, parks, and restrooms.
The green fee is “pau.” What did it accomplish? It merely drove another wedge between Hawaii and its visitors.
Visitors complained bitterly about being unfairly charged the $50 fee after being subjected to the most expensive accommodation taxes in the U.S.
We welcome your input on the $50 green fee and preserving Hawaii’s natural resources.
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As long as Hawaii is yet charging the $30.00 plus dollar a day for taxes on a rental car, when I brought my family to Hawaii, in order to get my family around the Island I ended up needing to rent three vehicles that was close to an additional rental car amount. If I had to charter a small bus I bet that would of been even higher in cost, and the tour bus like the one for the culture center with it’s few stops with a tour guide is just as bad.
We have been going to Maui for the last 4 yrs with another couple.
We absolutely love Maui, but your never ending taxes and increases will be driving us to other places. We are not made of money; sadly only the rich will be able to afford Hawaii. If any of the monies collected would go to the people of Lahaina that would be totally accepted, but we know it will not go there.
I would gladly pay a $50 visitor fee, if it would ensure keeping Hawaii clean and beautiful! My issue is the fear that monies would not be used in an appropriate manner.
On our last visit the state park had printed guide brochures twenty years out date. Markers missing, trees listed in the brochure, rotted away.
If it is this way st one park, what is happening at the others? Mahalo!
1) Add 3% to the purchase price of homes and condos sales for anyone born off island.
2)Get an independent agency to review all local government agencies to root out nepotism and wasteful spending of tourist generated taxes and fees.
Non-Residents visiting Iao Valley park for only 90 minute increments and charged $20 entry, plus $5 per passenger seems excessive.
Ever since Southwest has been coming to Hawaii, we’ve had an influx of low budget tourist. Most of these people aren’t spending money and can’t afford to. They stay at airbnbs and eat at Denny’s, Costco, fast food, or ABC stores. You often overhear them complaining about prices. In the past majority of tourists shopped at designer stores and price was a non-issue. We need to go back to that. Cheap flights have also brought more homeless transplants and more crime and gun violence. Sex assaults, homicides, and home burglaries are on the rise. Majority malihini. Tax ‘Em and cut out the D list tourist.
You think the sex assaults, homicides, and home burglaries are done by tourists? I’m speechless.
What is the -ist word when one is prejudiced against non-wealthy people? Elitist?
As a retired military and law enforcement crime is on the rise everywhere as well as drugs and the homeless, only “we the people” that’s right all fifty states and territory i.e. Guam and Puerto Rico” need to let or state representatives know that they need to remember we voted them into office, we can vote them out or press for impeachment. But the biggest thing is Hawaii is a state and can’t stop people from moving there and buying a house. That’s why I joined the military was for that freedom imagine if we stopped islanders from moving to the mainland because Hawaii costed to much for them to live there.
Well, since the “Green Fee” is done, what about the possibility of citing anyone especially tourist’s who just throw trash anywhere they please. For example the first time would result in a fine of $100.00, second time would be a $500.00 fine. The third and any time after that would be a $ 1,000.00 fine with six months in Halawa Correctional Facility. If this were implemented word would get around quickly after the first few hundred people received fines.
“low budget tourists?” no such thing in Hawaii. I’ve been coming for 30, years and sorry, there is no such thing. And isn’t that something that you want to discriminate in favor of only the super rich coming to visit. How about budgeting properly and then no need to ____ tourists even more than they already
I’ve found that it’s the locals that litter. And when they’re done with their vehicles or washing machine, they just simply abandon it on the side of the road or push it off a cliff. I was absolutely blown away with the amount of old rusted cars on the side of the road, on Maui. They don’t seem to take any pride in their beautiful Island . We prefer the Big Island and I have yet to see an abandoned car or appliance. It’s not the Haole’s making the mess.
Why “especially tourists”? You don’t think residents should be cited for littering?
I don’t understand some of the reasoning in this thread.
Wow! We were in Maui Sep, 2022. So many abandoned, rusting hulks of old cars, there. I wonder how much extra the tourists had to pay in baggage fees to transport their beater cars from the Mainland to OGG?
This was dead on arrival legal fees to defend against lawsuits to overturn it would have been enormous.
The one group most upset about this not passing are constitutional trial lawyers who would have made millions if this law had passed.
From my perspective, it would have been a good idea. Here’s MY thinking. On Maui, we have fewer visitors than we did pre-pandemic. The prices for accommodations are sky-high and ridiculous. But guess what? the report hotels are making more money than ever. There will always be people with deep pockets wanting the Hawaii vacation experience. They spend more. Cut down on the crowds and up the local economy. There has to be some understanding that there is a point at which certain people will say, “too much.” So be it. Why do we want to be the bargain destination? Let’s be the “quality” destination. Fewer humanoids, more profit.
Tim:
We’re helping you. We have been to Hawai’i about 20 times so friends and family are often asking us for tips for traveling there. We always tell them, of the four major islands, Maui is our last choice and it should be theirs.
I am frequently encouraged to move to Maui by relatives. My
standard of living will diminish
due to extra costs for everything. This place is simply
a large crowded city with a beach. You keep it, l can go to
others.
We were on the Big Island last year. We really love Hawaii but we probably won’t come back. It’s pretty clear that Hawaii doesn’t want us, or if they do it’s just for money. I was offered a trip to Maui this year and chose Florida instead. Not the same but much less taxation and they actually want visitors. I wish you the best.
The Republic of Pilau? 🫢
It seems that the Governor of Hawaii thinks Hawaii is a country. It’s a state in the United States of America. We, as Americans, have a birth right to visit other states whenever we choose. Why do Hawaiians think they Own their state? Why are we punished because we want to explore our country? I live in a town that see’s millions of visitors every year. Over 50,000 cars pour in every weekend to the point that we don’t leave our homes, but do you think I get a discount on going to the beach? Us locals are treated like everyone else. No freebies here
You need to read up on the history of Hawaii and the current political climate. Many Hawaiians feel their country was stolen, and therefore it is illegal that they are part of the United States. So yes, they feel that Hawaii is a country, and have announced that they are not Americans, and will never be Americans.
We are frequent visitors to Hawaii and just returned from a three week visit. We found prices had increased to the point, that we will have to think carefully about returning. It will likely mean we will return but not as frequently.
On top of incredibly high lodging rates, various state taxes have reached a level where they are offensive- and I read that Hawaii is talking about terminating its tourism marketing agency. So the State is aggresively seeking more revenue while cutting its marketing budget. I predict this formula will have negative consequences. Hawaii is beautiful, and your people are wonderful. You have a strong brand but the issues outlined above will be damaging to your brand. It is positive that the $50 tax is dead.
I can’t imagine that the government’s memory is so short.
Your entire economy is tourism. Always, for the most part, has been. Remember the pandemic? It killed your state.
Further taxing your only economy’s dollars may result in lost revenue.
Don’t. Mess. Up. What. You. Have.
Don’t be stupid.
Yes, but the flora and fauna came back! Money has never been important to most Hawaiians. What’s important is the environmental protection of their sacred lands, and living in harmony with nature. That is the goal, even if it means giving up tourist dollars.
As a tourist I only have a week so it’s not enough time to buy a dishwasher, use it, dump it in the jungle and set it on fire.
When locals dump their trash and abandon their cars on the side of every road are they doing to to honor their ancestors? Are these cars a sacrifice to the sacred lands or does the local population need to take a long hard look in the mirror?
We are booked for a conference as I am presenting, and I have a child to bring along who was initially excited, but the whole vibe I am getting is what once sounded like a dream destination has lost its whole appeal to both of us without even stepping on the plane yet. We are both regretting the idea of being regarded as walking ATM machines. I will probably cut our stay in half to four days given the level of outrageous pricing on everything, including the hotel. Not booking a car if parking fees are so obscene so the reality is we visit less places, spend less and eye off a more reasonable destination for our real holiday. We are Australians and we have glorious beaches here that cost us nothing to put a towel on.
As for the high parking fees go, I’m handicapped and was still charged the high fee in order to use a handicapped parking spot, even while using my handicapped placard which the State of Hawaii recognized. In any other state there is no charge for handicapped marked spots, the other thing is the so-called resort fees, give me a brake being charged for in room coffee, towels and bedding change, and yet charged for using the pool and hot tub…… taxes taxes. Next year we’ll visit Thailand at lease they don’t over charge their tourists
Forget the Green Fee. Raise the GET and exempt unprepared food. Visitors spend a great deal of money on restaurant prepared food so raisning the GET would definitiely bring in additional money. Exempting the food that mostly residents eat rather than visitors so the exemption would be a nice savings for locals.
That makes zero sense. Obviously, there would be no distinction between eating at a high-end restaurant and a local joint. Who do you think would see the worst of it?
My wife and I traveled last year and it was an excellent time. We did have to make choices due to conflicting times for attractions. I’d like to see a system that could assure people making the trip that the could be assured of a place in line for attractions. My fear is someone will buy up groups of times with bots and then sell admissions to the highest bidder.
Good. Our visitors pay enough.
Been to Hawaii 16 of the past 17 years (skipped last year due to the covid drama). Went this year and enjoyed your beautiful weather and reconnected with many old friends.
However, this time around we didn’t feel the “aloha” as in years past. More homeless on the streets, exorbitant prices for car rental, lodging, restaurants, etc. Now the powers to be trying to “pile on” a visitor fee?
Time to move on to somewhere where we feel wanted and our money goes further. Farewell Hawaii – it was a good run!
The entire concept merely illustrates an exponentially corrupt mindset by those running the Hawaiian State government.
They complain too many visitors comprise the natural resources and beautiful, unique venues that can only be found in Hawaii (which is actually somewhat true – look at Hanauma Bay). But then they fund the State Tourism Bureau to bring more visitors and tourists to the islands.
Giving the Hawaiian State government more “discretionary” money to fund unnecessary programs under the guise of a “Green” Fee is just not the way to go.
Green fee tax – more Aloha insanity. HI is on one path taxing and spending as long as tax is on visitors. Ii think your legislator and Gov need to take some basic economic courses a a prerequisite for running for office. This is making decisions without any knowledge.
Your excise taxes have hijacked to pay homage to the unions on a mass transit system that will never cover its operating costs.
Your state has no interest in attracting business or new investment despite their laughable suggestion that is their goal. I sold a condo 2-3 years ago and of course HI overwithholds which can not be “returned” until filing of tax return the following year. And then what do they do ? They immediately trigger an audit. Only crazies would invest
The fee proposal was crazy $50!!
Then any Hawaii resident needs to pay that when they go off island!
We are killing the golden goose. Without tourists Hawaii is nothing. No industry for people “trying” to work. No jobs!
Hawaiians go on vacation’s right? Here in Lake Tahoe, locals get Zero discounts. We pay the same to go the beach as they do. We too deal with tourists on a daily basis. The traffic, the garbage they leave behind, etc. Why are we bent over when we travel to Hawaii, but when Hawaiians travel to my town, they pay what I pay. I have gathered that Hawaiians like to gamble. How bout you pay 50$ at the door every time you go to a casino? Or a buffet lol
I don’t mind paying a fee if it goes to maintaining and upgrading parks.
Also for road improvements which benefit all.
We have been vacationing in Hawaii for about 40 years.
The poor maintenance of roads, bridges and parks is very puzzling?
I like loss leaders. That allows those without money to enjoy product benefits, while those with money can get extra benefits while providing needed revenue. Think Coke sold at a loss, or free software, or Hong Kong’s train system that makes >1bln/yr profit while providing almost free transportation. Entire industries have been built on this idea. A team should be assembled to list every tourist activity and figure out how to make it free for everybody to enjoy – in fact, even more accessible than they are now. At the same time products/services should be added as “for profit” extras to contribute revenue. Everybody can win – especially if the plan includes transportation and crowding considerations. Let’s end incompetent government.
No matter how Green or anybody else wanted to dress that pig up, it was the same old thing – namely tax and spend! Yes, it was indeed just another tax upon the visitors to Hawaii just like having the 13+% room tax that is collected on Every Hawaiian Island that goes to fund the rail system that many visitors will never see let alone ride on! As beautiful a place that Hawaii is it is just as messed up as Californloon land but in different ways and yet the citizens continue to vote the same way over and over and somehow expect their elected leaders to behave differently After the elections! How insane is that? As much as I want to get back to see friends that live on Maui I will not be sharing my $’s for now.
Hawaii is a reservation……t will never have enough money…they only know how to spend.