Hawaii Adds Huge Climate Change Tax For Tourists
Hawaii’s legislators just passed a first-of-its-kind bill that will increase the hotel tax by 0.75% to 11%, beginning in January 2026. The bill also adds an 11% cruise ship tax.
This new regulation is expected to raise $100 million yearly to fight climate change. This will include funding projects like restoring Waikiki beaches, securing homes against hurricanes, and clearing wildfire-fueling grasses after the 2023 Lahaina disaster.
Hope To Fund Climate Expenses
The new arrangement will require visitors to pay almost 19% of total taxes. Governor Josh Green says tourists won’t mind helping preserve Hawaii’s beauty, but it is just as likely that they will resent or not be able to afford the taxes.
The news shows how desperate some states and cities have become as they try to reverse or fight climate change effects. They cannot raise local taxes without possibly losing their elected jobs.
The new tax will be inflationary for anyone going to Hawaii.
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