Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green has signed Act 96, creating a "Green Fee" to fund environmental protection and disaster preparedness. The law increases the transient accommodations tax by 0.75% starting in 2026 and includes cruise ships in the tax for the first time. The fee was recommended by the Climate Advisory Team, formed in 2024, to support climate change response and resilience efforts. “Today Hawaiʻi ushers in the first Green Fee in the nation. Once again, Hawaiʻi is at the forefront of protecting our natural resources, recognizing their fundamental role in sustaining the ecological, cultural and economic health of Hawaiʻi,” the Governor’s office stated. Governor Green also said, “We must build resiliency now, and the Green Fee will provide the necessary financing to ensure resources are available for our future,” as reported by the Office of the Governor.
Chris Benjamin, leader of the Climate Advisory Team, said, “The Green Fee bill marks a historic investment in climate disaster resilience and environmental protection.” He also stated, “Using the TAT to fund resiliency projects ensures that the financial burden of safeguarding our ʻāina and people doesn’t fall upon residents alone.” The legislation is intended to share the responsibility of maintaining the environment and addressing climate impacts between residents and visitors. It was supported by various stakeholder groups and community organizations, according to the Office of the Governor.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green signed the Green Fee legislation, which is expected to generate $100 million annually for environmental projects. The funds will support beach remediation, infrastructure improvements, climate resilience, and sustainable tourism. At the signing, Governor Green said, "I mahalo the tourism industry for stepping up and collaborating on this initiative, which will preserve Hawaiʻi for kamaʻāina and visitors alike." Senator Lynn DeCoite and Representative Adrian Tam also supported the bill, noting its focus on long-term economic and environmental planning. Additional laws were signed to support wildlife conservation, beach management, and the creation of the Green Jobs Youth Corps, as stated by the Office of the Governor.
