Landmark climate fee becomes law: Visitors to help fund Hawaiʻi’s fight against climate change

By Jill Kuramoto for KHON2

HONOLULU (KHON2) — After years of political back and forth, the pen finally hit the paper.

“I hope the world is watching because having something that is a balance between industry and environment is gonna be the way to go forward to protect our people, to protect our states protect your economy,” Gov. Josh Green said. “And most importantly, to protect the lifestyles and the lives we want our children to have for generations to come.”

Green today signed into law Senate Bill 1396, now Act 96. It’s the first of its kind in the nation and creates what’s being called a “Climate Impact Fee” also known as “The Green Fee.”

Click here to read the article and watch the recording aired on May 27, 2025.