Hawaii

Hawaii's Unusual Tourist Tax Will Help Minimize Climate Crises – Travel Noire

Published

2 years ago

March 1, 2024

Hawaii's Unusual Tourist Tax Will Help Minimize Climate Crises – Travel Noire

Hawaii officials are moving forward with a tourist tax set to combat over-tourism and preserve its fragile environment. In addition to last year’s 9.5 million visitors, the state is still reeling from the catastrophic flames that destroyed Lahaina, Maui, killing 100 and causing $6 billion in damage. The tax aims to generate revenue to protect the state’s natural resources and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Here’s everything you need to know about this significant development.

What’s the Bill?

Hearings on Governor Josh Green’s plan to impose a $25 climate impact fee on visitors to the Aloha State took place over the last two weeks in two separate Hawaii House committees. While the proposal faced opposition from some legislators concerned that it may violate US constitutional protections for free travel, the bill received overwhelming approval from the two House committees.

The modest fee is expected to raise over $68 million annually. The primary goal of this proposed fee is to provide the necessary resources to protect Hawaii’s environment and increase awareness of the impacts of climate change. The state aims to address the strain on its natural resources caused by the influx of tourists and the devastating wildfires that resulted in loss of life and property damage.

According to Governor Green, the charge is a small price in exchange for protecting paradise, and tourists must do their part to protect Hawaii’s natural riches. The revenue generated from the fee will aid in establishing a state fire marshal and bolster disaster prevention initiatives.

Alternatives and Similar Programs

In addition to the tourist tax, Hawaii is considering alternatives, such as increasing the state hotel tax, which is among the highest in the country. State lawmakers are also advocating year-long permits or passes to major parks and trails, a first-of-its-kind initiative for any US state. Hawaii’s new tourist tax follows in the footsteps of other tourist hot spots, including Venice, Italy, and Iceland, which have imposed fees on visitors to support climate and sustainability goals.

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Hawaii

2026 Sony Open field is announced. See who’s playing in Hawaii

Published

8 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

2026 Sony Open field is announced. See who’s playing in Hawaii

The Sony Open in Hawaii has the honors of being the kickoff event to the 2026 PGA Tour season after the cancellation of The Sentry at Kapalua this season.

Instead of Maui, the Tour debuts in Honolulu on the island of Oahu, Jan. 15-18, at the Seth Raynor-designed Waialae Country Club, where Nick Taylor prevailed in a playoff over Nico Echavarria last year.

Among the changes this season is the field size, which was reduced from 144 to 120, and, there is no longer is a Monday qualifier offering four spots. Will that help with pace of play? Stay tuned.

The field includes the following notables in addition to Taylor and Echavarria: Daniel Berger, Keegan Bradley, Michael Brennan, Corey Conners, Tony Finau, Chris Gotterup, Brian Harman, Russell Henley, Billy Horschel, Robert MacIntyre, Collin Morikawa, Adam Scott, Jordan Spieth, Sahith Theegala, Gary Woodland and 62-year-old Vijay Singh.

Here’s the full field for the Sony Open, which will be live on Golf Channel all four days as well as NBC with early-round coverage on Saturday and Sunday.

This year’s Sony purse is $9.1 million and the winner also will receive 500 FedEx Cup points.

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Hawaii

Hawaii Pacific basketball teams split with Menlo | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Published

20 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

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Hawaii

Hawaii County accepting applications for Summer Fun employees

Published

1 day ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Hawaii County accepting applications for Summer Fun employees

HAWAII ISLAND (HawaiiNewsNow) – The County of Hawaii Department of Parks and Recreation is now accepting applications for temporary positions in its 2026 Summer Fun program.

The two positions available are Activity Aide I ($17.50 per hour) and Activity Aide II ($19 per hour).

To be considered for employment, applicants must possess a valid first-aid certification, attend mandatory training June 2–5, and be available to work June 8–July 17.

Applications are available online on the Parks and Recreation website, and must be submitted to the Recreation Division Office at 799 Pi‘ilani St., Hilo, HI 96720, postmarked by Saturday, Feb. 28.

For more information, call the Recreation Division Office at (808) 961-8740.

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