Governor signs 'Green Fee,' raising hotel tax to 11% to fund climate resilience projects

By Ashley Mizuo for Hawaiʻi Public Radio

Gov. Josh Green has signed what’s being called the “Green Fee” into law. It raises the state’s transient accommodations tax by 0.75 percentage points, bringing it to 11%.

It also puts the tax on cruise ships, which have not been paying any hotel tax. The tax increase will go into effect in 2026.

The increased revenue will go toward climate resilience. Green explained that it’s a major step forward for the state to adapt to climate change.

Click here to read the article and listen to the recording aired on May 28, 2025.