Hawaii Set to Enact "Green Fee" Legislation for Environmental Preservation After Legislative Approval

In a significant step for climate change policy, Hawaii Governor Josh Green has won legislative approval for SB1396, establishing a new "green fee" aimed at environmental preservation and disaster mitigation. Governor Green, in a statement obtained by the Office of the Governor, expressed his readiness to sign the bill, "the first of its kind in the nation," which he believes will protect Hawaii's natural heritage, or 'āina, for future generations.

The recently passed legislation will hike the state's share of the Transient Accommodation Tax (TAT) from 10.25% to 11%. Adding to that, all four counties in the state have opted to maximize their TAT authority by imposing an additional 3%. This combined increase constitutes a TAT of 14% across the state. These taxes, which are calculated on top of room rates, could funnel an estimated $100 million annually into the state's coffers. The funds are earmarked for disaster mitigation efforts critical to the Aloha State—an archipelago already bearing the scars of climate-related disasters such as the 2023 Maui wildfires, according to the Office of the Governor.

"Given the devastation we saw on Maui in August of 2023, this measure is crucial because it will help us to deal with wildfire risk resulting from the climate change crisis," Governor Green told the Office of the Governor. It signals a comprehensive approach to address environmental issues and serves as a safeguard for the islands' residents, tourists, and ecosystems.

With the deadline for the governor's signature set for July 9, there's a clear sense of urgency in Governor Green's advocacy for the legislation. According to a video statement posted on his social media platforms, which was shared alongside the press release from the Office of the Governor, he firmly indicates his intent to enact the bill into law. This alignment with legislative action and digital promotion demonstrates how in today's political landscape, governance strides into the public domain as much through policy as it does via the stream of social media.