Hawaii Raises Hotel Tax to Fund Climate Change Relief
WASHINGTON: Hawaii lawmakers have passed a 'first of its kind' bill that increases the US state's hotel tax to fund climate change relief efforts, the governor's office said.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green said he intends to approve the legislation which raises the tax on short-term accommodations like hotels and rentals by 0.75 percent.
'This legislation, which I intend to sign, is the first of its kind in the nation,' Green said in a statement issued by his office on Friday.
'Hawai'i is truly setting a new standard to address the climate crisis.'
The state, which hosts roughly 10 million yearly visitors, currently imposes a 10.25 percent Transient Accommodation Tax (TAT) on vacation stays and other rentals.
Hawaii's counties also impose an additional three percent tax, which with the new hike, will bring the overall hotel tax to 14 percent statewide.
The tax hike will raise an estimated $100 million annually for disaster mitigation in the state, according to the governor's office.
It described the levy as a 'climate impact fee' or 'green fee,' adding that it 'will help the islands to mitigate the impacts of climate change.'
A devastating wildfire swept through the Hawaiian island of Maui in 2023, killing more than 100 people and causing billions of dollars in damage.
'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,' Green said in the statement.
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As one organizer reflected, 'You felt it in the room: a hunger not just for answers, but for wisdom.' The Prayer Breakfast concluded with a powerful call for moral courage—not only in policy, but in personal leadership. As one guest remarked: 'Democracy begins with character. That's the lesson here.' Distinguished guests included: Peter Huessy (president, GeoStrategic Analysis), Paolo von Schirach (president, Global Policy Institute; professor of Political Science and International Relations at Bay Atlantic University), Dina Shaikhislam (seasoned political and government relations consultant), H.E. Ambassador Dr. Tiffany Lancaster (UN Ambassador Special Envoy for Public Affairs), Shelby Magid (Deputy Director, Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center), Matt London (Researcher, Georgetown University's Center for Eurasian, Russian, and East European Studies), Ezra Friedlander (CEO, The Friedlander Group), Adam W. Schindler (Chief Digital Officer, America First Policy Institute), Anna Yabluchanska (Medical Aid Program Director, United Help Ukraine), and Yanina Volosna (attorney at law, LL.M, MBA). Organizers and Partners: Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce – International consulting firms specializing in political consulting, political technologies, public relations, GR, and anti-crisis communications. The company has a proven record of success, with over 30 election victories, 50 successful anti-crisis projects, and 100 PR campaigns and projects in the USA, EU, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe. Institute for Democracy and Development 'PolitA' – A Washington-based think tank that conducts educational, analytical, and policymaking projects in the fields of democracy development, awareness campaigns and advocacy for meaningful social changes. SIC Group – International consulting firms specializing in political consulting, political technologies, public relations, GR, and anti-crisis communications. Photos and video can be found here: Technical Assistance: Pavlo DumanskyiDuvi@
