Hawaii has approved a law to raise taxes in hotel rooms and holiday rentals to meet the effects of climate change such as coastal erosion and fire.
The law is expected to be signed by the Governor of Weld Green on Tuesday, producing about $ 100 million each year. These funds support the initiatives, including filling the sand off the coast of Waikiki, promoting the use of storm clips to supply ceilings, and eliminate flammable offensive grass that helps the Lahina devastating fire.
The move followed almost two years before Mao’s fire, which resulted in 102 casualties and more destruction of Lahina.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the governor emphasized the need for measures such as fires and the use of Marshall fire-a post-Lahina, which he predicts to fill within two months.
Green added: Other countries and countries need to take similar steps to deal with climate disasters.
“There will be no way to deal with these crises without a forward -looking mechanism,” Green said.
This action adds 0.75 % to the daily taxation of the room from January 1st. Green said the tax is $ 3 at $ 400 at the hotel room rate.
It also pays a new 11 % tax on the cruise ship bills, starting in July 2026, to the number of days when ships are in Hawaii ports, to tax travel ships in accordance with room tax.
Passengers to Hawaii are currently paying significant room taxes. With the new law, the taxation of 10.25 % in the country in short resettlement rises to 11 %. Along with other state and state taxes, visitors pay approximately 19 percent of their accommodation – one of the highest rates in the country.
Hawaii hotels eventually supported the bill and said it would help improve visitors’ experience. Green said the industry looks at “no more” for tourism, Hawaii and planet.
Green initially proposed a bill to bring tax revenue to a dedicated fund, but the lawmakers put the money to the State Public Fund.
Their reconciliation measures call the governor to ask the legislature for projects in the following areas: protecting native forests, plants and animals. Strengthening the weather resistance; And reduce the effects of tourism on the environment. Green said they will cooperate to enforce the law.
Adrian State Representative Adrian Tom, chairman of the Majlis Tourism Committee, said the government should gain public confidence to spend the money transparently and best possible. He noted that the Hawaiian tourism economy relies on a brand that is partly dependent on a pristine natural environment.
“The visitor industry will fight if we do not take action now,” Tom, a Democrat, said. “If our beaches are destroyed, nothing will be displayed for them to display it to other parts of the world, the cities’ fires take us and our walks remain without control.”
