We said previously that the $50 Green Fee (named now after Hawaii Governor Josh Green), once called the “Visitor Impact Fee” would be back, and apparently there’s no better time than the present. The name, post tragic Lahaina fire, will be changed.
The last time Governor Green raised the plan for a tourist fee, he found that it was not possible to charge that as broadly as he had hoped. Therefore, before dying in the prior legislature, it morphed into a tax on use of Hawaii state beaches, parks and other facilities only. Green ran for governor on the premise of a visitor tax, with hopes that it would raise hundreds of million per year. “As governor, I will propose a $50 impact fee for visitors.” — Josh Green. He also estimated the fee could raise up to $600 million per year and would reduce the quantity of Hawaii’s “low-end” visitors and “the total number of tourists.”
What became of the first $50 tax on Hawaii visitor arrivals?
The fees were originally to have been assessed via airlines or accommodations. That prospect was deemed likely unconstitutional, among other issues, which resulted in Governor Green pulling back from that methodology.
It was resurrected as a fee on state parks or other facilities. That was vague and problematic and unclear as to whether it would even work. Green wanted to have permits or licenses issued visitors online or through stores. Currently, some of Hawaii’s state parks already have fee systems in place, including Diamond Head State Monument, Hanauma Bay State Park, Wainapanapa State Park, Haena State Park, and Iao Valley State Monument.
Many question Hawaii’s spending of visitor money.
Hawaii is infamous for visitor and resident taxes and fees never reaching intended goals. So the “Green Fee” too may have good intentions but fall into the same trap.
Everyone wonders where the state’s highest accommodation tax in the country goes. That is a tax paid by both visitors and by residents in Hawaii who travel. It isn’t apparent how the money is used given the painfully lacking infrastructure seen from Hawaii parks to airports, and public roads to restrooms.
The situation was made more clear as Beat of Hawaii editors traveled throughout Europe this summer, contrasting various aspects of Hawaii tourism and that of other world-famous idyllic vacation spots. The lack of prioritizing reinvestment in Hawaii’s all-important tourism infrastructure is nothing short of egregious.
Will another “Green Fee” be yet one more turnoff to visitors?
This comes at a time when Maui is in deparate need of the return of visitors following the Lahaina fire.
In thousands of comments on BOH, visitors bemoaned being unfairly charged such a $50 fee as simply adding insult to injury. From our take, Hawaii needs to find better ways to raise money and provide more apparently benefits than it does now.
New $50 fee to benefit firefighting.
Regarding a new direction for the green fee, the governor said “We’re going to need money to make sure we have more firefighters, that we have more equipment, and we have more money for investigations like this.” Again, undoubtedly well-meaning, but will that money actually ever end up benefiting the state with more fire-prevention? Governor Green talked about monies going into a “special fund.” But, based on what we know of Hawaii’s fiscal responsibility, we are sadly discouraged.
Hawaii’s firefighting efforts unquestionably need help.
It came to light that Hawaii is the only state that doesn’t have a state fire marshal. There was one, but that position was eliminated decades ago. Tragically, such an office would be vital coordination of efforts between agencies with responsibilities typically also including fire prevention and investigation efforts.
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As the price of a Hawaiian vacation continues to rise, the Governor seems confused about why people are not coming. Now he is intent on raising taxes and fees, remember that doctors are notoriously bad with money. At this rate Hawaii will need to become a Real Jurassic Park before tourists will begin flocking again.
Instead of raising the green fees, why don’t they stop taking all the Transient tax money that comes to the islands and only funds the Oahu rail system, none of that money stays on our islands and just pays for more corrupt construction companies and delays, Let Oahu pay for their real system, and keep tourism here on our small island, this money would help our infrastructure Rhodes beaches immensely, Mr. Green give that a thought😡😡😡
$50 fee? Those are lame loosely cobbled ideas aimed at lowly tourists. Why not go Big? Do it right? All non native homeowners should pay a very special tax on each home, with those owning more than 1 home paying double tax on each home. Owners like Jeff Bezos, PayPal Peter Theil, Mark Zuckerberg, Oprah etc paying % of their mega estates if homes are more than 1,300 sq.ft.
Does this mean when Hawaiians come over to the mainland they should be charged the same $50.00 fee for each state they visit?? How ridiculous! Last I looked we were all part of the USA. I have been overseas and this idea is just nonsense.
I really think the governor should go back to being a full time doctor and Hawaiians should vote in a business man or woman in the next election It is clear he is floundering
As a resident on the big Island, My take is the Govenor is just another out of touch politician. The answer is always to collect more money. That is all they know how to do.
Visitors already pay a BIG room tax and many other high cost to come to the islands, and now the governor says please come back, but wait, we are going to charge another flat $50 fee on top of the rest of your vacation expense.
People chose to travel, remember the Aloha spirit, take that away and we living on the Islands will be more and more dependent on government subsidies instead of jobs.
What would Hawaiin residents say if the mainland charged a $50 per person impact fee for Hawaiians to visit the mainland. The Outrage would be historic.
Every state has tourism and haa reasons to visit. Hawaii has its distinctions, but is no better than any other state. The arrogance is showing.
JP, and some act as though only tourists damage coral etc. If one American has to pay a fee, all Americans should have to pay the fee.
But, the first thing they should do is determine areas of govt where they can cut unnecessary or wasteful costs. But, not, govt thinks the folks should fork over more dollars.
Aloha
Your JP reference is wrong.
I will not argue that the destruction of Lahaina town is a disaster of epic proportions. I have no idea just how many people visit Maui with Lahaina as their primary reason for visiting the island, but I am sure the percentage is substantial. So now Governor Green wants to “tax” visitors to rebuild something that is not there now. For many $50 a person would not change the destination. However you add $200 for a family of 4 and many people just may rethink where they will spend their vacation dollars. People will vote with their feet. That is happening in my home state of California, people leaving due to taxes.
I know that I am seeing more advertisements for other island or tropical vacation destinations than I did prior to 8/8/23.
Green / HTA / et al Want less tourists. This is their stated goal. $50/person is a way to make $ while reducing tourism.
As I lay here in the sun,I don’t think about Hawaii except when reading BOH. Cancun is an amazing vacation destination, plain and simple. I am really enjoying the All Inclusive destinations that do keep the tourists in mind, unlike Hawaii. I have little doubt that I will be back at least one more time, it’s just when?
This really seems like a punishment for tourists due to the Hawaii State government failing to adequately plan for contingencies. We in Colorado have many wildfires each year, and granted our loss of life in no way even compares to the tragedy in Maui. That said, would people be in support of a $50 fee for Tourists to support enhancing their state programs or make up for poor planning. Perhaps a less offensive way to boost tax revenue in Hawaii is to create a statewide livable minimum wage. That would boost income, at the expense of tourists for the services they use and would raise the standard of living for the Hawaiian people at the same time boosting Hawaii State Tax Revenue, in a manner that isn’t offensive to tourists.
I think that the BOH boys answered their own question about the appropriateness of the new fee by acknowledging that certain locations in Hawaii already charge a usage or admittance fee.
It is common for most state and federal parks to charge an admission fee for operational reasons.
As for mistrust of how the money would be used, the article fell woefully short on specifics about that concern, advising simply that…”But, based on what we know of Hawaii’s fiscal responsibility, we are sadly discouraged.” That’s an opinion, not a fact. Support the opinion with concrete examples, and perhaps I would agree.
Excellent points, James
The $50 fee could very well be a double edged sword for Hawaiian visitors to the mainland.
How will the Green Fee be implemented because I am a local resident and how can we make sure I/locals will not be charged the Green Fee.
Green will be coming for you. He is willing to take away everyone’s money, residents and tourists, to make things “even”. Of course Green won’t be paying, he’s an exempt entity.
“Never let a good crisis go to waste.”
Our maui trip was canceled. Now extra money /fees?
Hawaii expensive as it was but now we will never be able to go. Saved 4 years for this months trip. Have to do with the US Virgin Islands and Bahamas. Hawaii out of reach now.
The amount of money that you have saved for the Hawaiian Vacation should give you enough money for a couple of over the top vacations, Enjoy! After a while the desire of Hawaii will be replaced by destinations that are at least as beautiful and more friendly.
If this is proposed towards a need for more Firefighters, recall that many were persecuted and Fired for not agreeing with the jab mandate being pushed by this current governor—then, Lt. Governor/Doctor. We do not hear anymore about this.
I will gladly pay $50 for a criminal investigation of Green, Bissen, and Pelletier and responsibility for the Lahaina fire deaths.
A $50 visitor fee just says “we don’t value visitors… please find somewhere else to spend your money”.
This is so typical of progressive mindset. “We don’t have enough money so let’s keep asking people for more”. Politicians in Hawaii need to learn to live within their means and work to make Hawaii an attractive and affordable vacation destination. Skyrocketing accommodation and transportation costs make Hawaii a no-go zone for many people now.
The state and local leaders need to find a way to show visitors more ‘Aloha’ instead of asking them to pay for the leaders incompetence and corruption, and greed !
Before politicizing the issue, you should check on the current status of visitor impact or admission fees on the mainland in most state and nearly all federal parks. You will find that the practice is quite common in states of both political persuasions.
I know of no state that charges everyone a fee to enter. Charge me a fee to enter a State park – sure. Then it’s my choice. Charge me a fee to cross a US State “border” – nope.
Be honest now. Why are you and most people coming to any Hawaii island? Aside from business, everyone is here to enjoy Hawaii’s plethora of beaches, trails, geologic and cultural features. My children operated a dive business before being destroyed in the fire. They lamented the devastation witnessed under water by the crush of visitors. The visitor fee is needed to help manage the sheer numbers that use damaging sunscreen, walk on coral, invade sensitive areas off-trail.
Hawaii is one giant National/state park. Enjoy it but don’t compare Hawaii to any other state.
I’ll quote JP in another BoH thread on same topic … He said it well…
“Every state has tourism and has reasons to visit. Hawaii has its distinctions, but is no better than any other state. The arrogance is showing.”
James, I totally agree
Mahalo,
Federal and State parks aside, which State, or States, have levied fees specific to tourism? California? The other Anything for a Buck State!
Thats what they want. Only visitors with big wallets and bank accounts. The same people they complain are buying up their land.
Smart move. I bring 10 people every year, a $500 “Green Fee” pays for air fare to the Caribean. Cant say go spend money somewhere other than Hawaii any clearer.
You’ve just answered your own comment. You should visit the Caribbean. But first, why not check on which islands already charge impact or supplemental visitor fees before you proclaim Hawaii is treating you unfairly. Try entering any staffed federal park for less than $50 bucks.
If you haven’t been to mainland recently, we can drive, walk, or crawl from one State to another without anyone in my party having to pay a fee or “show their papers” to cross a State border.
I also get a choice to visit a Federal park and pay the fee if I think it’s reasonable. Luckily, I have a lifetime pass that makes it where I don’t have to pay.
Targeted fee for use – OK. A states that passes broad stroke fees and other restrictive travel requirements should be called out and should own the consequences of their decisions.
Bottom line – simply wanting to go to Hawaii to visit friends shouldn’t cost me anything except airfare.
You brought up the Caribbean as an alternate destination. Please check and you will find the following:
Aruba, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, the Bahamas, Bonaire, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, the Cayman Islands, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago, and the US Virgin Islands apply a fee for all visitors.
I would assume that your “bringing” people would include adults perfectly capable of paying for themselves. If you choose to pay, that’s up to you.
I did notice that your list comprises of Foreign Countries, we are talking American States. As I have been to several destinations on your list, it cost me Less than if I were to go to Hawaii.
I’ve got the feeling Maui only wants the very wealthy tourists. Hotels have become unreasonably priced and the aloha spirit has diminished.
But that’s ok because the wealthy will be there for Maui.
A Hawaii visitor tax is a good idea If the funds are spent for their intended purposes. My suggestion is to tax All sales to all consumers then reducing HI income taxes for residents.
That didn’t seem to go over too well, so far.
Wow, new $50 Green fee is a total turn off for me. Hawaii is already expensive to visit. If it will bring in $600 million a year, I guess we don’t need to send any more donations since we will each be forced to pay $50 per person. We have been holding off on weather to keep our planned trip to Maui Oct 10 thru 18th but pretty much have decided to cancel due to so many changes as it’s not getting any better. We will just keep our beautiful fond memories of the past
Props to BOH for calling out the state for the gross incompetence of most government agencies. Sadly, tourism is a great cow to milk for tax and spend governments, but the udders eventually run dry when tourist feel perpetually gouged and take thier dollars elsewhere. There is no Aloha in taking peoples hard earned money(either from tourist or locals) and providing little to nothing in return!
Way too early for opening up the Lahaina area. As usual the almighty dollar wins. The grieving process for these people is going to take a long time, including getting back to a somewhat “normal life”. This will take years.
Eyeing the hotel prices on Maui I was dumbfounded. Where is the “aloha”. I guess that is gone now.
My sincerest sympathy goes out to all the residents who have been impacted by the horrific fire and the ineptitude of local “leaders”.
it would be offensive to visitors to pay $50 an the cost already higher than the other islands. we have a trip scheduled for Dec and we see it as being unwelcome and greedy. people are coming to help Maui people recover and will will tip heavy I’m sure.
If Hawaii and all the islands keep raising prices then less tourists will book. That means less flight available coming and going. Restaurant meal prices would have to increase in order for locals to pay bills. Maybe all commercial airlines will come to a halt because no profits and the only way to get to the islands is by a private jet or yacht. Millionaires welcome others questionable. 50 dollars more for how many people in your group traveling.
I’d like to see full disclosure on how the current fees & taxes collected from visitors are being spent to evaluate if additional fees / taxes are justified.
My goodness “Low End Visitors” ? Meaning the working class? Not elite enough LOL that terminology is very divisive for one but more importantly Hawaiis politicians have a very bad track record. That 50 dollars visitors fee should be transparent and will really go to where its intended to go eg. Lahaina fire victims etc.
If the fee goes to its proper channels, I have no issues wiht paying the fees to better the lands. I am however, tired of the over charging of condos, cars, food. So that will be the biggest detterent for my return. And, I get the feeling that that is the end result the islands are looking for. More people with only money for the corporate resorts. Us middle class are now listening!
We have been going to Kauai once or twice a year for over 20 years.
Yeah, things are different but if you don’t like Hawaii go somewhere else. What’ s the point of badmouthing a state and the people who live in it? I can think of several states that I won’t go back to,
but I don’t go online and run down those states and the people who live there!
Dr Green should keep in mind that there are millions more “low-end” people in the world than millionaires (such as teachers, cops, firefighters, etc.) who do more for their fellow men & women. So happy my days of visiting HI are over. Don’t at all like what’s
happening now. Aloha to the Hawaiian people who helped me be relaxed & happy for two weeks a year with their kindness & friendliness.
Green just said the quiet part out loud – “low-end”. Hmpf!
He doesn’t care if the prices go up so only the elite and well-off can afford Hawaii. He thinks teachers, firefighters, cops, etc. are not good enough to come to the islands.
Hawaii has always been expensive, but it has now moved to “ludicrous” mode. Not everyone can afford to drop $10,000+ on all the airfare, accommodations, and entertainment now needed for a family to experience Hawaii for a week.
Green is in bed with the elite and influential. To heck with the common folk who just want to experience Hawaii. You’re not part of the club so go away.
Why not just charge a “vice tax”? Any foods, beverages that cintain sugar, all smoking products, all alcohol, all gambling winnings.is purchased just add a $.05 to $.10 tax to those items. The federal government should do this US wide, so it can pay for health insurance for all.
Es.
Let me donate $50–or more—directly to a Lahaina relief fund of my own choosing. After this “fee” passes through several hands, how much would Lahaina actually get?
Really I don’t mind paying an extra $50 fee per person if this is going to help the people living on the islands to get better and lower housing. We do spend a lot when we vacation in The Hawaiian islands. I would like to see the people in the burn area to receive it ASAP. We can do without one expensive dinner. I just remember here in Ca. with the lottery it was suppose to go to the schools. It doesn’t seem like it ever made it to the schools. So I would like to see that extra money you will charge makes it to the households in Hawaii.
I also agree that you need a fire Marshall. Also you need to hire more fire fighters.
The CA Lottery money does go to the schools. It was originally presented as a supplement to the current budget. Unfortunately, our lawmakers decided to reallocate a large part of the initial school budget to other items. Thus, the Lottery supplement became replacement money. It’s a common shell game played by tax and spenders.
Strange how they keep shutting down Hawaii State lottery proposals every time it is brought up….
Aloha guys. Just read the $50 fee is in the news again. So if the governor charges a fee , no matter what he calls it to make it palatable, and says it’s to use the parks and beaches, will the current rules and charges for beach use go away? I doubt it. No matter how much lipstick he puts on this pig it will be like driving a stake into the heart of Hawaii. Travelers aren’t necessarily against fees if they can see them being used. However, “special funds” anywhere tend to get used for anything other than the intended purpose. An intense audit by an out of state form of where these funds go would be most likely bring to light things people want to keep hidden. Mahalo for letting me speak. Aloha
It’s sad that the state wants to gouge visitors. It will only lead to less visitors and less money in the future BAD MOVE
Instead of coming up with another tax, another way to collect it, and a questionable reason for a specific tax on visitors(shouldn’t paying for fire protection be a standard government funded function) why not just raise the GET? While doing it exempt unprepared food so that local people who prepare and eat most at home will not be as effected as tourists who eat most of their meals out.
What’s next. Strap a go-pro credit card camera to my forehead so you can charge me for what I look at and see. Strap on pedometers on everyone’s ankle and charge for the distance a tourist may walk. Maybe even jam some oxygen flow meters up my nose and charge for some island oxygen fee. Isn’t the 89 million the US government allotted Maui enough or the celebrities that 100 million, 5 million, 5million and all the go fund me’s enough. Now a Imposed 50 dollars for every tourist. Wow Amazing. Growing up I was always told a fool and his money are soon parted.
Can’t believe they are trying this unconstitutional fee/tax again. $6 million revenue? After the cost of implementing the collection of this fee they will probably only receive cents on the dollar. The logistics of collecting such a fee are mind boggling to me but I am sure they have it all worked out.