Hawaii’s new “green fee”: Why tourists will soon pay to help the planet

This children’s article, Hawaii’s new “green fee”: Why tourists will soon pay to help the planet, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children practise reading and comprehension, learn useful vocabulary, and discover how tourism and nature connect. Written by Sinead O’Carroll, a writer and EFL teacher since 2017.

Hawaii introduces a new fee to help its environment

Hawaii is one of the most popular holiday spots in the world. Its beaches, volcanoes, and forests attract more than 9 million visitors each year.

The state has just taken a new step to support sustainable travel and protect its beautiful natural spaces.

From January 2026, tourists will pay a little extra money when they stay in hotels, holiday rentals, or on cruise ships. This extra cost is a tax, and it’s called a “green fee”. The money will be used to protect the environment and help with climate change problems

What is the green fee?

The green fee is part of a new law signed by Hawaii’s governor, Josh Green. The fee adds 0.75% to the current tax for tourist stays. This means if a hotel costs $200 per night, the green fee would be around $1.50.

It might not sound like much, and it probably isn’t for someone enjoying a holiday in Hawaii, but it could raise around $100 million every year. This money will go into a special fund to help Hawaii’s land, sea, animals, and people.

What will the money be used for?

Hawaii has had serious problems in recent years. In 2023, wildfires on the island of Maui destroyed lives, homes, and forests. Climate change is making natural disasters like wildfires, floods, and storms more common.

The green fee money will help in lots of ways. Some projects might include:

• Supporting communities after disasters
• Restoring beaches and protecting the coastline
• Managing wildfires
• Protecting coral reefs and sea life

Why is this important?

Hawaii is the first U.S. state to create this kind of green fee. Many people believe it could be a model for other places around the world.

Governor Green said Hawaii must protect its natural resources, not only for today but for future generations. Even though tourists are being asked to pay a little more, the goal is to keep Hawaii healthy, safe, and beautiful for everyone.

If you’d like to read more about the green fee, visit the official announcement from the Governor of Hawaii.

Do you think it’s a good idea to introduce a green fee in other countries around the world?

Article vocabulary list

• Tourist – a person who travels for fun or a holiday
  
• Sustainable travel – travelling in a way that does not harm the planet
  
• Green fee – a small payment used to help protect nature
  
• Climate change – long-term changes in Earth’s weather patterns
  
• Wildfire – a large fire that spreads quickly in forests or countryside
  
• Natural resources – things like air, water, land, and animals that nature gives us
  
• Disaster – a very bad event like a fire, flood, or storm

Comprehension questions

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