Climate Change: Let's See if They'll Buy That Reason for Higher Taxes

My 2016 rented condo would have been subject to the tax.

Hawaii raised its hotel tax from the current 9.25% to 11% "to combat climate change."

The hotel tax is slated to jump from 9.25% to 11% beginning January 2026, specifically to combat climate change, according to the bill. Lawmakers say the increase will generate between $85 million and $100 million a year. Funding from the tax will be used to prevent effects from climate change like coastal erosion, flooding and wildfires, factors that many regions across Hawaii are vulnerable to, [state Rep. Adrian K.] Tam said at Friday’s meeting. The tax would also apply to tourists visiting the islands via cruise ships.

[Gov. Josh] Green has long been in favor of charging a $50 fee from tourists to enter the state, but various versions of the bill that have included a flat fee have died, since some lawmakers said it would violate the constitution’s protections for free travel, according to the Associated Press. Increasing the lodging tax was a compromise.

It sure is lucky that the science of global warming climate change came around to justify increasing the tax on beleagured tourists. After all, "coastal erosion, flooding and wildfires" had been occurring long before Captain Cook dropped anchor in 1778, but maybe the rubes will believe that driving their SUVs made the problems worse.

Meanwhile, thank goodness I have relatives that let me crash on their couch.