Hawaii is proposing a $25 surcharge on hotel bills to generate additional revenue for environmental protection and disaster prevention.
Called the Climate Health and Environmental Action Special Fund, the bill introduced by Governor Josh Green aims to raise $68 million annually.
“It’s a very small price to pay to preserve paradise,” Green said.
The money would fund a state fire marshal, fire breaks, and insurance to help prevent another devastating wildfire like last year’s in Lahaina.
While supporters argue it is a small price to pay to preserve the islands, opponents say it may further reduce tourism, which Hawaii is heavily dependent on.
A similar entry fee proposed last year did not pass, and other locations like New Zealand also impose climate taxes on visitors.
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