Hawaii may force tourists to pay a “green fee”

Hawaii’s majestic and natural wonders have long drawn tourists to its wondrous waters. The allure of the islands, however, has also sparked an increase in overtourism and locals are fighting to safeguard Hawaii’s natural beauties. 

One of the ways that state leaders are looking to safeguard the natural resources is by imposing a “green fee.” The visitor-impact fee would be about $40 or $50 in order to raise revenues to protect Hawaii’s lands. A $50 fee on tourists upon entry would raise $500-600 million dollars per year. 

Similar climate impact bills have been introduced before but proponents feel strongly about the bill passing through the House and Senate in 2023. Even with all the support for the bill, there is still a great deal of debate about how the revenue from the fees would be allocated. 

The fee echoes Hawaii’s implementation of entrance and reservation fees at state parks. Hawaii Senate President Ron Kouchi explained, “Our residents have been clear. Visitors should be paying for their impact on our natural resources.”