Hawaii’s experiment with visitor fees just got a lot more real. Governor Josh Green has rolled out a Green Fee Advisory Council that will steer $100 million in new taxes. Beginning next January, every hotel stay, vacation rental, and cruise will be tapped.
The council’s first public meeting is scheduled for September 24 at 10:30 a.m. HST, to be held via Zoom. You can register now. That session will explain how projects will be evaluated and is open to anyone who wants to follow or comment on the process.
On paper, the Green Fee Advisory Council is a strong roster of environmental, community, and cultural experts, with only one seat at the table for Hawaii’s hotels. For some, that signals a serious commitment to protecting resources. For others, it raises concern about whether the visitor’s needs and expectations will get equal consideration.
With total taxes on accommodations going up to 19%, which includes the Green Fee, the question now is how the money will be used and whether visitors will see any benefits.
The fee itself was divisive from the start.
Supporters said it was about building climate resilience, preventing another wildfire disaster, and protecting natural and cultural resources.
Critics saw it as yet another line on an already expensive Hawaii vacation, piled on top of other taxes, high room rates, resort charges, rental car surcharges, and rising airfares.
Now the focus shifts to who gets to spend the money. The governor’s announcement makes clear that this council will set the priorities. Their recommendations will be incorporated into the Governor’s supplemental budget, with the legislature having the final approval.
In effect, the group will decide how Hawaii spends money collected from every visitor and every resident who books a stay. That makes it far more than a bureaucratic appointment. It is the next test of whether visitors trust Hawaii with their hard-earned dollars.
Only one representative from the Hawaii tourism industry is on the council.
The lineup is heavy on conservation and nonprofit voices, with only one direct representative from the Hawaii tourism industry. Jeff Mikulina, executive director of Climate Hawaii, will chair. He is joined by Eric Co of the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, Lea Hong of The Trust for Public Land, and Dennis Hwang of the University of Hawaii Sea Grant program, best known for the Homeowner’s Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazards.
Other members include Janice Ikeda of Vibrant Hawaii, Michelle Kauhane of the Hawaii Community Foundation, and Jack Kittinger, a conservation scientist at Arizona State University. There is also Hokulea crew member and Maui community leader Keoni Kuoha, Carmela Resuma of Kilohana by the Hawaiian Council, and Jeff Wagoner, CEO of Outrigger Hospitality Group.
What the Green Fee could fund, and if it will.
The governor says the money will safeguard natural and cultural treasures, build resilience against climate threats, and share responsibility with visitors for stewardship. That could mean shoreline protection, trail repairs, cultural site restoration, or wildfire prevention.
Skeptics are already asking whether this time will be any different. Many wonder whether they feel that these new fees will help or hurt, and whether the money will be spent as promised.
That question echoes through dozens of reader comments. Mike, who has visited almost every year for fifty years, said he has never felt less welcome, pointing out that despite years of visitor taxes, roads and public facilities still languish.
Another reader summed up the prevailing doubt with a single line: “This additional tax will disappear into the general fund and will be spent with no accountability.”
For the Green Fee to gain credibility, its projects will need to be visible. Trail repairs, beach safety programs, or shoreline protections that visitors can see and experience would go a long way. If the first round of funding vanishes into bureaucracy, expect anger to build quickly. (Beat of Hawaii editors).
If early project successes are visible, such as repairing popular trails, improving beach safety, or strengthening wildfire prevention efforts, the Green Fee could become a model for how tourism dollars can be directly tied to sustainability.
Hawaii is touting this as the nation’s first dedicated green fee.
The only one tied to visitor accommodations. With nearly ten million annual visitors, the 0.75 percent increase is projected to generate approximately $100 million each year, assuming no future increases. That scale is what makes it so significant.
Other destinations have demonstrated that green fees can be a successful approach. Palau’s Pristine Paradise Fee and New Zealand’s International Visitor Levy are both cited as models where funds are clearly connected to conservation. Hawaii visitors will be watching for that same level of accountability.
The trust gap.
Trust is clearly at the center of this debate. Readers here have repeatedly stated that they are willing to pay more if they can actually see results. The problem is that too often, the promises never materialize on the ground.
“Before adding more fees, the state would be wise to start showing that the fees they are already charging are producing something.” (reader comment on Beat of Hawaii).
That feeling runs wide. Tom, who has been coming twice a year for fifteen years, compared Hawaii to Las Vegas and said this will now be his last year. For him, it comes down to what he called greed and nickel-and-diming that finally tipped the balance. Others ask why residents are not contributing equally, pointing instead to abandoned cars, trash, and infrastructure problems that have nothing to do with visitors.
Even travelers who are open to the idea are uneasy. One frequent Hawaii flyer told us he could support the fee if it were clearly tied to better trails, safer beaches, and healthier forests. His fear is the same one many share: that the money will be redirected elsewhere, the way so many other visitor taxes have been.
The future of Hawaii travel: A test of trust.
For visitors, this fee is more than just extra dollars on a bill. It is a test of whether Hawaii can repair a strained relationship with the very people who keep its number one industry alive. Travelers have already cut back on trip length, shifted to other destinations, or said they will not return at all. Some, like Marc from San Francisco, are canceling trips they had already planned. Others say they will still come but will eat out less, stay fewer nights, or skip activities.
If the council delivers results that are obvious and tangible, the fee may find acceptance. If not, the chorus of disillusioned voices will only grow louder. One reader summed it up: “Given Hawaii’s track record, I’ll believe this fee when there are actual results to see.”
That’s the real test for this council: build something visible or fuel another wave of outrage. With one hundred million dollars a year at stake and the kind of trust visitors say they’re running dry on, this council doesn’t just decide what to fund — it decides if Hawaii’s tourism still matters.
Share your thoughts.
Do you support Hawaii’s new Green Fee if it delivers visible projects that protect the environment and improve the visitor experience? Or does it feel like another cost added to a trip that is already at the breaking point?
We welcome your comments below.
Lead Photo Credit: Beat of Hawaii at Turtle Indepence Day on Big Island at Mauna Lani Resort.
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I’m born and from hawaii, and I agree with what’s being said,and it’s nothing but greed to me, that isn’t what Hawaii is all about its about love and friendliness,
Sadly we will reconsider our plans to return next year. Costs have increased exponentially and one starts to feel less welcome. Hawaii is experiencing what other major tourist destinations have, too much of a good thing creates problems but There is a way to add balance.
Read the study that Hawaii island just commissioned to see what the loss will be if tourist dollars are gone and the impact on local economy and livelihood.
Unfortunately the only people who will visit are the Uber rich who by the way are buying up large amounts of property.
With housing shortages and limited water,, why continue to approve large expensive home.
Hawaii has been in my heart for as long as I can remember. Its sad to see this happening
Can’t afford Hawaii anymore. Good luck with this new fee.
Hawaii will loose a lot down the line,it’s already to expensive to go there.letalone paying more to visit, all I ever here is charge for this and that,why? It doesn’t matter what changes you make,it would truly hurt the economy down the road,our own people can barely afford to live in the there own land,and your trying to gouge more expense to the island and our people.I don’t see it working in our favor I understand prices are up,but my quash it’s ridiculous what they charge for a room and meals, All I can say is God bless Hawaii. We’re going to need it,our future kids will suffer even more,let alone our island residents that are heading. For homelessness.and those who are already lost everything that they once had.
19 percent tourist tax. Really makes a guy feel loved. I canceled my trip this fall. I can go to Thailand and Vietnam for less expense and have an experience where the locals And government are happy I am there
And then the locals yards and streets are about as clean as a third world squatter village ok ok maybe a small exaggeration, but it is shocking how little home and community pride I see when I drive around
This is another reason for people Not To Return to the islands. People are sick and tired of being nickle and dined. From airline fees, to resort fees to taxes. People do have a choice and they may just choose to go somewhere else. Also cruise ships are movable assets. They can just move them to another part of the world.
How do they charge cruise ships? This 19% is an increase to the (TAT) tourists accomodations tax. Locals with proof of residency aren’t tourist’s. Now it’s changed to visitors. How can you charge cruise ships per sleeping night if they are in international waters for what 4 or more days from the mainland? Did it change from the flat fee of 20-30 dollars per passenger? Hawaii can only charge for a timeframe when a cruise ship is 30 miles offshore of Hawaii in Hawaii zoned waters. How can you trust Hawaii when the senerio and circumstances keep changing? It’s a lot easier to rip off the tourist when the tourist gets all confused. Go figure.
Reagan said it best. The most dangerous 10 words in the English language. “I’m here from the gov’t and I’m here to help”
I’ve never been to Hawaii…at least not yet. I have a trip planned in March 2026. I’ve already realized how expensive this trip will be (and I know, its a once in a lifetime trip for most, I know it will be for me) and after reading this article, I’m considering canceling it. I’ve heard the Caribbean is just as beautiful, if not more, and not near as expensive. I could take 2, possibly 3 trips for what I’m paying for 1 trip to HI. Now, I have to pay more! No thanks. Hawaii can’t be worth all that. As a tourist, I’ll spend my money elsewhere.
How much are the council members being paid?
Did anyone else notice that tourists and residents alike will be charged if booking a stay. This is crazy, just another financial grab.
As a native Hawaiian, I must admit, this is not a spirit of aloha. This will damage our tourism industry which will directly affect tens of thousands of our locals’ livelihood. The people that can afford a trip here or that are willing to pay might do so begrudgingly and leaving bitter instead of it being ‘bittersweet until we meet again’. You don’t expect a stranger, a guest, contribute financially to your insurance policy payments or to your savings account. They are guests and the happier they are and the more they feel welcomed, the more they will spend and the more respectful they will be to our land and our culture. Right now, we’re just a few pretty beaches with an attitude of ‘white man bad’ when we Need tourism to feed our families. Until we can be 100% self-sufficient independent of tourism, we shouldn’t be scaring off our source for putting food on the table, paying our high rent and mortgage, and clothing our children. This is inefficient and off-putting.
It sounds to me like the new Hawaii “Green Fees” are just that! For governor Green to line his pockets even more. I do believe that Hawaii may have some of the most corrupt politicians in all of the country. So tourists will continue to pay more and more fees all the while the state continues to let everything fall apart instead of investing in infrastructure. I bet my dog could run that state better than Green. No offense. Oh, just so you know ow my governor is an idiot also.
Does anyone think the tourists burned Lahaina down?
The start of the Lahaina fires is well documented.
Yes, I do support the Green “fees”- I give to the Hawaii Conservation Council and the Waikoloa Dry Forest on the Big Island because our travel to Hawaii impacts the environment. I agree that this, on top of the already steep taxes, will impact some folk’s decisions to travel. It is about 40% more costly / week than before 2019. We have come at least annually, often 2 time/ year, to the Big Island since 2000.
I think the Governor needs to add an Oxygen Tax. I mean everybody uses it right? In exchange all we get is CO2.
That’s a raw deal and everyone who uses it needs to pay.
(Click Sarcasm Button)
Talking about oxygen. Hold your breathe when entering any park restroom or come out coughing or ready to get sick. Strong pungent smell of urine as it circulates the air. I wonder if they ever get cleaned at all. I think this is a detterant to keep tourists away from the beaches. It’s not dirty but gross and disrespectful.
I agree with the Sentiment that visitors want to protect the Hawaii paradise and are willing to pay additional taxes if visible results can be seen. Trail maintenance, cleaner beaches etc.
This applies to all taxes, the public has a general mistrust of government to spend wisely when there is minimal oversight.
Nope I will not be going to Hawaii again, it’s already expensive
I’m afraid that Hawaiian Politicians have viewed tourists and former residents who return annually to see family as the cash cows that fund their agendas for far too long. I don’t believe that they can change. I feel that fraud may be too strong a word. It may just be that in their minds it is a way fund projects without appearing to tax their local base.
It is obvious to all that these “funds” are not being spent on their stated purposes.
We used to go to Hawaii every other year, but it has become to expensive to visit the islands and stay. It’s our favorite state but to us not an option anymore. The prices are just insane. We live on the West coast and it’s easy to hop over to Hawaii, but it doesn’t make sense anymore so this year we bypass the islands again and we are visiting Australia and New Zealand instead.
Let’s have a designated “fund” earmarked for each improvement. The funds definately should Not be put into the General Fund! Show us your work. Be accountable.
The residents must be a priority. The kaimaina must be housed. Fire, water & wind safety must be a priority.
Removal of abandoned cars are a priority.
Maintaining the Islands integrity is of the utmost importance. Mahalo.
I have been visiting Hawaii and especially Maui for nearly 40 years, twice a year. I just got back from two weeks in Maui. Prices on everything continue to creep up and have not seen any commensurate actions on the land, roads, trails or beaches. The hospitality is no where near where it used to be. All the taxes and fees are ridiculous now and just keep adding up. There is very little progress on the rebuilding of Lahaina. After hearing of this new tax, I’am seriously considering a new vacation destination. I miss the old Hawaii hospitality and looking to avoid new ways of Hawaii taking advantage of the supporters of their number one commerce. As a retired government employee, the new green fee will go unaccounted for and probably go into the general fund for pork projects that will not benefit any visitors or residences.
The green fee is not going to help the homeless tent situation all over Hawaiis beaches. Many restrooms at local beaches are either closed or so bad you don’t want to use them due to all the druggies inside. It is an epidemic that everyone ignores. Our beaches are dirty and unclean because of all the trash, urine and feces by all the homeless tents, broken down cars and trash up and down Hawaiis coastlines and parks. Hawaii is ignoring this epidemic and charging tourists a green fee for Hawaiis lack of inforcing their own laws won’t solve that issue.
Bingo! The problem is that people don’t realize how destructive government policies are until it’s too late, and unfortunately the politicians never admit that there policies are failing; they just double down on disaster.
God morning all
Looks like there’s plenty of responses.
Now will the people who monitthis pass this on to the council? Id bet not
B
I will be spending my money elsewhere. There are other destinations that are just as nice and some even better. As much as I have loved Maui, it’s time to send a message to the useless politicians. Tourists take your dollar elsewhere.
IThe Hawaii many of you remember is gone replaced by islands that are nothing, but tourist traps, food trucks and fees for everything that used to be free.
The family owned businesses are gone their kids went to college and left the islands. The generation that cared about relationships and island culture is dying off replaced by Tic Tok influencers who view everything through a smartphone screen.
Quit getting caught up in all this nonsense it means nothing. If you can afford a trip to the islands then come, but like I’ve posted many times here it’s never going to be like it once was.
Sadly, Richard C, I think you are correct. The Hawaii I remember from my first visit in 1965 is long gone never to return. At our age, my wife and I are able to visit a couple of times a year and enjoy the North Shore of Kauai at our timeshare, however, that will not last much longer as we’re getting older, and we too have noticed since Covid that things have changed, and mostly not for the better unfortunately.
Aloha to all.
Hawaii is now IMO charging for pay for the experience. The other fee’s are bottled up as a gesture of your presence and therefore robbing your wallet. Simple it’s an island. Where are you to drive off to? Pay or catch a flight out. Hawaii will try to make as much money as they can until your flight departs. Are the beaches really free or just a magnet to bring in tourists so other sources can reap the rewards? IMO keeping restrooms dirty and stinky just makes the tourist feel like their money is well spent. They will never improve anything because if they do the money train will stop coming.
We have been coming to Hawaii for 45 yrs and my parents before us. With all the taxes, increase in rentals, etc we feel we can no longer afford to continue spending 3 months there as we have done in the past. Hawaii is not showing true Aloha spirit anymore, they have become greedy. When the Governor says the marathon in December brings in over 8 billion dollars where is the money going? Why are we paying 18% in transit fees? Canadians have spent thousands of dollars in condo/hotel rentals, food, clothing , souvenirs/gifts etc and yet more is demanded. Greed leads to loss and tourists are cancelling, going to other destinations which will be a detriment to Hawaii. I’m sorry but we won’t be coming back as many other Canadians won’t be.
This is insane and the stupidest thing I’ve heard!! Course our corrupt government and county and rich elites don’t care. It’s like they’re purposely trying to kill tourism which will starve us locals. I was born and raised on Kauai. It’s sickening to see this it better not pass already the steep raise in taxes has been killing tourism and it’s been slow. Yet the cost of living has skyrocketed!! I pay 5,000 a month for rent. It’s becoming impossible to survive here. Also some locals attitudes towards tourists is unacceptable!! Tourist don’t ruin the island the allow us to survive and yet some idiots say we don’t need tourists. We all count on each other to survive. The $ comes in and we all redistribute it amongst ourselves. Yet idiots are anti tourist when the people who are ruining Hawaii are the elites