Federal ruling blocks Hawaii's climate change tourist tax on cruise ships
Last edited Thu Jan 1, 2026, 12:48 PM - Edit history (1)
Source: AP
Updated 9:26 PM EST, December 31, 2025
HONOLULU (AP) — A federal appeals court ruling on New Year’s Eve blocked Hawaii from enforcing a climate change tourist tax on cruise ships passengers, a levy that was set to go into effect at the start of 2026.
Cruise Lines International Association challenged the tax in a lawsuit, arguing that the new law violates the U.S. Constitution by taxing cruise ships for entering Hawaii ports. They also argued it would make cruises more expensive. The lawsuit notes the law authorizes counties to collect an additional 3% surcharge, bringing the total to 14% of prorated fares.
The levy increases rates on hotel room and vacation rental stays but also imposes a new 11% tax on the gross fares paid by a cruise ship’s passenger, prorated for the number of days the vessels are in Hawaii ports. The lawsuit notes the law authorizes counties to collect an additional 3% surcharge, bringing the total to 14% of prorated fares.
In the nation’s first such levy to help cope with a warming planet, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green signed legislation in May that raises tax revenue to deal with eroding shorelines, wildfires and other climate problems. Officials estimate the tax would generate nearly $100 million annually.
Read more: https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-tourist-tax-cruises-climate-change-dc41e5da8c2597df47256c109ba8c196
= new reply since forum marked as read
We Angles and Saxons should not have eliminated the Britons from Britain, either.
But I don't think any of those will be reversed anytime soon.
Meanwhile, those who can afford the trip can continue to enjoy Hawaii.
