Hawaii Imposes the Nation’s First Climate Change Tax for Tourists — And It's Expected to Generate $100 Million Annually

By Charlotte Phillipp for People Magazine

Legislators in Hawaii are implementing a hefty tax on tourism that they believe will help the state government take action against climate change.

According to the Associated Press and USA Today, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green signed a bill on Tuesday, May 27, that increased a tax on hotel room, vacation rentals and cruise ships to raise money to be used for issues such as eroding shorelines, wildfires and more.

Known as the first ever "Green Fee" in the country, Hawaii's Act 96 will raise the state's current transient accommodations tax (TAT) by 0.75%, making the taxes on nightly lodging rates 11%. The tax will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, according to a press release from Green's office.

Click here to read the full story published by People Magazine on May 29.