Hawaii Governor Josh Green said the tax "ensures that visitors who come to Hawai'i are making an investment in Hawai'i's future."

Hawaii's new tax on hotel stays and cruise cabins will generate $100 million annually to fund environmental protections and climate disaster preparedness starting in 2026.

In a landmark move, Hawaii has become the first U.S. state to implement a climate impact fee, introducing a new tax on tourists to support environmental initiatives. Announced on Tuesday, the fee is designed to fund climate change resiliency efforts and preserve the islands’ natural resources.