Hawaii Can Charge Cruise Passengers a Climate Tax, Judge Rules

The legislation, dubbed the ‘Green Fee’ by Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, is set to take effect with the start of 2026, becoming a first-of-its-kind law.
Hawaii Can Charge Cruise Passengers a Climate Tax, Judge Rules
The Holland America Line's Koningsdam is docked in Hilo, Hawaii. Courtesy of Sharon Whitley Larsen
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As part of Hawaii’s new tourist tax, the state can now move forward with a levy on cruise-ship cabins, a federal judge ruled Tuesday.

The legislation, dubbed the “Green Fee” by Democratic Gov. Josh Green, “requires, in-part, cruise operators to pay their fair share of transient accommodation tax to address the threats of climate change to our state,” the governor’s office said in a Dec. 23 statement.
Troy Myers
Troy Myers
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Troy Myers is a regional reporter based in St. Augustine, Florida. His background includes breaking, criminal justice, and investigative writing for local news, producing on a national morning newscast in Washington, D.C., and working with an award-winning, weekly investigative news program. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his dog at the beach.