Wailuku River State Park on the Big Island. Photo: Hawai’i State Division of Parks
A new survey found 63 percent of Hawaiʻi voters back a proposal that would require visitors to pay a $50 per person annual fee to use state and county beaches, parks and trails in the state.
Funds collected from this green fee would then be used to fund conservation efforts across Hawaiʻi.
Nearly 900 people responded to the survey, which was conducted between Jan. 8 and 19, 2023 and commissioned by the Hawaiʻi Trust for Public Land, Resources Legacy Fund and The Nature Conservancy.
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Additional findings of the survey:
88% believe tourists should pay their fair share to protect and manage natural, cultural and recreational resources in Hawaiʻi
88% feel it is their responsibility to protect Hawaiʻi’s cultural legacy for future generations
89% think Hawaiʻi should increase its investment in protecting land, water, wildlife and recreational resources
95% believe it is their responsibility to protect Hawaiʻi’s ocean for future generations
With 9 to 10 million visitors to Hawai’i annually, a proposed green fee would help protect places like Waimea Canyon on Kaua’i. Photo: The Conservationist Collective
Some of the funding from a proposed green fee would go toward conservation of the oceans surrounding Hawai’i. Photo: The Conservationist Collective
A hono (turtle) swimming in Hawaiian waters. Photo: The Conservationist Collective
Some of the proposed green funds would go to cleanup state and county beaches. Photo: The Conservationist Collective
The marine world of Hawai’i. Photo: Bert Weeks
“We welcome visitors to Hawaiʻi,” Gov. Josh Green said. “We want to share all our islands have to offer, and we want our visitors to share the responsibility of caring for our island home.
“This latest poll reaffirms that it is time for visitors, given the profound impact that 9 to 10 million annual travelers to Hawaiʻi have on our natural resources, to more equitably protect, preserve and restore our natural and cultural resources.”
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Millions of tourists flock to Hawaiʻi each year, infusing about $17 billion into the state’s economy. Many of these tourists explore the state’s beaches, mountains and landmarks.
To support effective management of these natural resources, the State Legislature is currently considering SB304 and HB1162 that would establish the green fee.
“Hawaiʻi is one of the richest places in the world when it comes to natural beauty and biodiversity,” said Carissa Cabrera, project manager of Hawaiʻi Green Fee. “The islands’ natural assets, coupled with irreplaceable culture and values, are what make Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi.
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“It is clear that Hawaiʻi residents take their kuleana [responsibility] of caring for the islands seriously. Our natural and cultural resources provide us with so much, and it’s up to all of us to ensure that they can recover and thrive for generations to come.”
For more survey results and information about Hawaiʻi Green Fee, click here.
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