Vacationing on the Hawaiian Islands is already an expensive affair and could soon become even more expensive. According to consistent media reports, the government there is currently examining a levy that would be used for additional spending on nature conservation. What is known so far.
In addition to the usual expenses for travel and accommodation, tourists already have to pay a so-called “Transient Accommodations Tax” of over ten percent, which is even increased by a further three percent in the city of Honolulu. This can lead to a surcharge of more than 50 US dollars per night, as the financial portal “Money” calculates.
Current considerations could make trips to Hawaii even more expensive because, according to media reports, the state is planning to introduce another fee for tourists. According to the considerations, the so-called “green fee” should be a fixed amount of 50 US dollars.
As the “Wall Street Journal” reports, among others, all visitors aged 15 and over should pay a green fee, which gives them access to all parks, beaches and hiking trails on the Hawaiian islands for one year. Please note that this additional fee does not replace the regular admission price for popular attractions or parks, but is in addition to it. The draft law is now being discussed in the US House of Representatives.
Like many other holiday regions around the world, Hawaii is struggling with the negative effects of mass tourism on the environment. Although only around one percent of the state budget is invested annually in preserving the ecosystems, they play a crucial role in the islands’ tourist attractiveness. With the introduction of the green fee, the income is to be invested in environmental protection projects such as the protection of coral reefs, the native flora and fauna as well as measures against pollution of the beaches.
A general entrance fee was originally planned, but this was rejected due to constitutional concerns, as the local portal “Mauinow” reports. The idea of charging a fee for the use of all parks, beaches and hiking trails is now intended to get around this problem.
