Hawaii raises climate tax: Environmental protection for the next tourists!

Hawaii raises climate tax: Environmental protection for the next tourists!

Lahaina, Hawaii, USA - Hawaii plans to introduce a new environmental tax for tourists from January 1, 2026. This measure represents an increase of 0.75 percent to the existing tax, which will apply to hotels and holiday apartments as well as cruise ships. According to Vol.at , visitors have to expect additional costs of $ 300 with $ 2.25 per night.

The income from this new tax is estimated at around $ 100 million annually, which are to be invested in the protection and restoration of nature. Hawaii's governor Josh Green emphasizes the urgency of climate protection and refers to the latest environmental damage, including the devastating forest fires in Maui in 2023, who demanded over 100 lives and destroyed Lahaina. The state is the first in the USA with a targeted climate impact tax for tourists, as Tagesschau.de

The effects on tourism

The introduction of the tax has triggered various reactions. Hoteliers express concerns about possible negative effects on tourism, while others support the measure and believe that they could improve the experience of visiting as a whole. Economists Carl Bonham thinks that the tax change may not be sufficient to prevent Hawaii tourists, but it could influence their expenses for local services and attractions. In 2023, around ten million guests traveled to the island chain.

In addition to the delivery to overnight stays, a tax of 11 percent will be levied on cruise ships from July 2026, which are based on a proportion of in Hawaiian ports. The entire tax burden for visitors could thus increase to around 19 percent and thus one of the highest in the USA, as the presseportal.de

The need for action is undeniable, and the Hawaiian government has launched the introduction of this tax as part of its strategy to combat climate change and the financing of nature conservation projects. These measures could serve as a model for other tourist regions in the United States, which are also confronted with the challenges of climate change.