Hawaii's recently approved "Green Fee," a 0.75% increase to the state's visitor tax, is poised to generate approximately $100 million annually to be invested in climate resilience, environmental protection, and mitigation of tourism impacts governor.hawaii.gov. This represents a historic investment in the state's environmental future and presents opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors. A coalition has been formed and is actively seeking community input on how these funds should be allocated.
The Green Fee, championed by Gov. Josh Green, is designed to directly address the impacts of climate change and tourism on the islands. This legislation is particularly noteworthy, as Hawaii is the first U.S. state to implement a tax specifically designed to mitigate the environmental and climate change impacts of tourism kiplinger.com. The funds collected will be allocated to projects that bolster climate resilience and preserve the natural beauty of the islands. The focus areas will likely include the restoration of native ecosystems, such as coral reefs and native forests, and the removal of invasive species.
The establishment of the Green Fee follows the creation of the ocean stewardship user fee, or “Blue Fee.” This existing fee already provides dedicated resources for marine-focused initiatives, providing a model for the allocation of the Green Fee revenue civilbeat.org. The state's commitment to these environmental initiatives underscores the growing importance of sustainable practices in the Hawaiian economy and the potential for growth in the eco-tourism and green business sectors. Businesses and organizations that align with these objectives are well-positioned to benefit from the Green Fee funding.
