Hawaii lawmakers are aiming to raise the tax imposed on travelers staying in hotels, vacation rentals and other short-term accommodations for the first time ever. The additional revenue will be dedicated to tackling the impacts of a warming planet.
The proposed hike, set to take effect next season, will channel millions into projects like beach nourishment to combat erosion, roof-reinforcing hurricane clips for homeowners and removal of invasive grasses blamed for fueling the deadly Lahaina wildfire two years ago. By investing in these resilience measures, the state hopes to safeguard communities, preserve its iconic coastlines and set a global example for tourism-driven climate action.
With millions of tourists every year, Hawaiis tourism sector can become a major funding source for local adaptation. As destinations worldwide face rising seas and extreme weather, the islands plan may inspire similar sustainability leviesturning every guest into a climate investor.
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Hawaii plans to increase hotel tax to help cope with climate change
cgtn.com
