As Hawaii heads towards the upcoming 2025 legislative session, the proposal to charge visitors a climate impact fee—often called the “green fee”—is again set for major consideration. Visitors are already paying one of the highest occupancy taxes in the country, and now this could be next.
With a renewed focus, heightened urgency, and interesting global changes, Governor Josh Green and his administration are set to push harder than ever to implement this fee, which has faced multiple hurdles in previous legislative sessions.
Background on the Hawaii Green Fee.
Before becoming governor, Governor Green had long advocated for a climate impact fee to be charged to visitors. This proposal has been a recurring topic in Hawaii’s legislative discussions. Upon checking into hotels or short-term rentals, the proposed fee would be collected from tourists. The revenue generated would be directed toward projects focused on mitigating climate change and preserving the environment.
Read: Here’s What’s Next After Hawaii Just Dropped $25 Visitor Fee.
We suspect the Green fee may grow to be far more than $25.
Recent developments in New Zealand suggest that Hawaii’s previously proposed $25 visitor fee could be just the beginning. On October 1, New Zealand will nearly triple its own Visitor Conservation and Tourism fee from $22 to $62 to ensure that tourists contribute more substantially to public services and the preservation of high-quality experiences while visiting. Those funds will be allocated toward environmental protection. The government believes it will not significantly deter visitors. However, those in the travel industry there have expressed doubts.
New Zealand’s decision to significantly raise visitor fees highlights a growing trend among popular tourist destinations to charge tourists more to cover associated environmental and infrastructural costs. As Hawaii debates its own green fee, New Zealand’s example could be a cautionary tale about the potential for such fees to grow.
Setbacks in the 2024 legislative session.
Despite the strong advocacy from Governor Green and his supporters, the proposed climate impact fee encountered resistance in this year’s session. Ultimately, the measure was not approved amid ongoing concerns about its potential economic impact on the still vulnerable Hawaii tourism industry.
Critics of the fee argued that adding another charge would just deter more tourists or contribute to the perception that Hawaii is becoming even more expensive and unfriendly to visitors.
Nonetheless, the bill’s failure has not discouraged its proponents. Dawn Chang, Chair of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), highlighted the potential of the green fee to support environmental initiatives, such as managing invasive species—a growing issue in the islands. Chang noted that the fee could also provide critical funding to protect Hawaii’s unique biodiversity.
“Next year, the year of 2025, the governor is going to declare that, ‘The year of climate action’ and I think there will be a concerted effort to advocate for the green fee at the next legislative session.
Hawaii DLNR Chair Dawn Change, per Hawaii Public Radio.
Renewed momentum for 2025 Hawaii Green Fee.
With the 2025 legislative session on the horizon, there is renewed optimism among supporters of the green fee. Governor Green has declared 2025 as “The Year of Climate Action,” indicating his commitment to prioritizing environmental legislation. The green fee is expected to be one of the key elements of this agenda, and we will learn more about it soon.
The push for a visitor fee coincides with the state’s financial challenges. The green fee, if implemented, could help fund critically important environmental efforts.
Community and industry reactions to Hawaii visitor fee.
The proposal for a visitor fee has sparked a wide range of reactions from both the community and the Hawaii tourism industry. Many local residents who have witnessed the impact of over-tourism firsthand support the fee, while others are more cautious and concerned about its economic implications. Here’s a range of community comments about the fee from prior Beat of Hawaii articles on the topic:
“Gov. Green is going to make sure he gets some more money from us whether we like it or not. At least it’s $25 less than the $50 he wanted to charge for the “Green Fee”. How ironic seeing as his last name is Green.”
— Debra.
“I’m concerned this fee could be just another way to police tourists and make them feel even more unwelcome. Instead, we should focus on educating visitors about how they can minimize their impact.”
— Jack D.
“I fully support the green fee. As a local, I see the impact of over-tourism every day. Our beaches, trails, and parks are overcrowded and littered. The funds from this fee could go a long way in maintaining our natural resources and ensuring they are here for future generations.”
— Leilani
“While I understand the need for environmental protection, I am worried about the impact this fee could have on our tourism industry. Hawaii is already seen as an expensive destination, and adding more fees might drive tourists away to cheaper alternatives.”
— David M.
“It’s frustrating to see this fee being debated for so long without any action. Our environment can’t wait. We need to start funding these projects now. The legislature needs to stop stalling and make the tough decisions.”
— Malia.
“I’m not opposed to the green fee, but I want to know exactly how the money will be used. Will it really go to environmental protection or just into the state’s general fund like so many other fees and taxes?”
— Tom R.
“We need to find a balance between maintaining a welcoming and affordable atmosphere for tourists and protecting our environment. Perhaps the fee could be waived for visitors who participate in eco-friendly activities or volunteer.”
— Emily L.
“As a frequent visitor to Hawaii, I would gladly pay a small fee if it meant helping to preserve the natural beauty of the islands. It’s a small price to pay for enjoying paradise.”
— Sarah T.
“I think it’s a great idea, but we need to ensure that local residents aren’t affected by this fee. Maybe there could be a system to exempt locals or offer discounts for kamaʻāina rates.”
— Kimo H.
“The green fee is a step in the right direction, but it shouldn’t be the only solution. We need comprehensive environmental policies that address not just tourism but also local practices that contribute to environmental degradation.”
— Nancy W.
The path forward on a Hawaii Green Fee.
With the legislative session coming in just four months, the future of the green fee remains uncertain. However, with a renewed push from the governor, there is a sense that 2025 could be the year Hawaii finally adopts this climate impact fee.
The ongoing debate highlights the need for a balanced approach that protects Hawaii’s natural beauty while also considering the economic realities of our tourism-dependent economy. Beat of Hawaii will continue to provide updates on this evolving story. Join the conversation in our comments section and share your thoughts on Hawaii’s future and visitor fees.
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“What’s next” is the continued takeover of the islands by the ultra rich and more Hawaiians heading to Las Vegas.
But sure, keep taxing the average tourist as a bandaid.
Locals should ask why state and local government is a piggy bank for selected locals to work at (relative to service) high wages and low productivity.
Maybe the green fee is for Gov Green?!
Every state has environmental concerns. California, my state, had 11.5 million visitors internationally only, not total, in 2022. Hawaii had 10 million from everywhere. California needs to set up collection stations as you leave Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, etc. We need to man the airports, collect the $$, for our unique environment.
Sounds crazy doesn’t it?
It is.
You cannot charge a U.S. citizen to enter another state.
I love Hawaii, was stationed there, lived there, married a local girl and been back many times but this is getting ridiculous.
Amen. You are so right. Hawaii is not the only state impacted by guests. Not to mention the talk of the local environment that Hawaiians trash on a regular basis.
You are correct! The trash, mattresses, old cars, etc along the roads left by the locals make parts of Maui look like a 3rd world country. Quit blaming the tourists for everything!
Once a year I visit grandkids I hawaii. Environmental impact is a concern in Hawaii. Go out into the rural areas where tourists don’t go and see the trash, junk cars washing machines etc filling the ditches.
If I have to pay a green fee I will cut out one meal out to pay for it.
Charge the locals a fee to get rid of what They are dumping, not tourists.
My family and I have spent a great deal of time and money on Maui and have always tried to leave as small a footprint as possible. Seems to me that most “tourists” are more respectful than locals.
All tourists must buy a biodegradable trash bag from the state and walk around picking up trash before check in. Like when a judge sentences someone to community service.
Best I can tell, the US Constitution and SCOTUS will not allow any state to charge other US citizens a fee to simply show up. And I believe it has to be charged to all users and only on specific projects that have specific costs. Plus it stops once the project is paid for. Like a new bridge. Thats probably why the HI government is delaying. They want to disguise another tax and spend slush fund without raising the TATs.
The Hawaiin government acts as if they are not part of the US…these so called “green fees” as well as “STR bans” are simply unconstitutional. Hey, but whenever did the rule of law apply to these despots?
It wouldn’t surprise me if, a couple of years from now, Governor Green proposed a requirement for non-Hawaiians to acquire a visa before traveling to the islands. If something like this succeeds, what’s to stop other states like California, Florida, Utah, etc…that have large tourist industries to also impose similar fees?
If Hawaii wants to charge visitor fees or enact a visa to enter the islands, then the only way they can do it legally is to secede from the USA as its own independent nation. Nobody in the Hawaii State Government is proposing such a thing, so this is all political theater and nonsense. Hawaii should follow Nevada’s lead and slash income taxes to 0% and that will make Hawaii cheaper overnight for hardworking Kanaka and Kama’aina.
Yet another reason why I will not be returning to Hawaii. I’ve been there 13 times. However this ludicrous government is taxing tourists to death. Good bye Hawaii and good luck. Residents of the island will need luck because the State will soon go broke.
I read up on your news about the fee to tourists if you do my family will not be coming in February as we planned for 2 weeks vacation not only that especially nowadays I think it’s cruel to put that on tourists as Hawaii is the most expensive of all trips you will lose tourists. For a tourist fee. For a family of four for two weeks it’s costing us $15,000 so far .we are already giving you lots of money by using all your hotels restaurants shows etc, shame on you!! T
Only fools will go along with this Green Fee or what ever you want to call it.. it’s just another Scam by your government to control more. And, put more money in the pockets of Crooks. Pro me wrong. Scam
How will the State differentiate between visitors and Kamaaina checking into a hotel when the fee is collected based on hotel stays? Will a Hawaii resident need to keep receipts and request a refund?
Will the fee apply per trip or only once a year?
In essence, it probably will become another fee which will go into the General Fund and also disproportionately impact local people who travel between the islands frequently for business or to visit family
Hey you locals are the ones who vote these lawmakers into power. Maybe start voting for a different direction. Good luck.
It’s not the locals fault. It’s the bad tourist and colonizers everyone but the people living there.
If the locals continue to act this way they will see the Goose has laid its last eggs and is on its way to be cooked.
Good Luck Locals
If they start charging a fee to visit we will have to just find another place to visit. It’s expensive enough already
With the way our state is run, what guarantees do we have that this money is used for its intended purpose? If it goes into the general fund, then, that’s a hard no for me. If it goes into a special account, with a lock box, then, ok. There has to be audits of the account annually & monies divided up evenly to the neighbor islands, so everyone gets a piece of the pie. Having said this, I recently did a few “mock reservations” to see how all of the taxes & fees increase the room rates. I was pretty shocked at how much is tacked on daily. This might break some people into saying, “Mahalo, but no,” and take their tourist dollars elsewhere.
Instead of the last two times we would visit Hawaii we went to Europe. From the west coast and paid way less and a much more memorable time.