Hawaii is a sought-after destination for tourists worldwide, including Alaskans. However, the influx of visitors may be straining the state’s natural resources, and Gov. Josh Green has proposed a solution to alleviate the burden.
Green’s proposed legislation seeks to implement what could be called a “Green Tax,” requiring residents and visitors alike to pay up to $50 for the use of of parks or trails. With over 10 million visitors annually, the funds collected would be utilized to combat climate change and address environmental damage.
Initially, Green campaigned for a $50 license to enter the state, which was met with constitutional challenges regarding free travel between states. However, the current proposal, the first of its kind in the country, aims to mitigate the environmental impact of tourism by charging visitors for park access.
Checking on visitors’ licenses to use trails may be an enforcement nightmare for those places that are not heavily used, however. And having trail cops may take away from the islands’ Aloha spirit.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Hawaii hired hundreds of people who used a heavy hand as they enforced the Covid quarantines the state had in place for visitors.
