Federal ruling blocks Hawaii's climate change tourist tax on cruise ships
ABC News••general
Key Points:
- A federal appeals court blocked Hawaii from enforcing a planned climate change tourist tax on cruise ship passengers, which was set to begin in 2026.
- The Cruise Lines International Association sued, arguing the tax violates the U.S. Constitution by taxing cruise ships entering Hawaii ports and would increase cruise costs.
- The law imposes an 11% tax on cruise fares prorated for days spent in Hawaii, with an additional 3% county surcharge, totaling up to 14%, alongside increased hotel and vacation rental taxes.
- Hawaii Governor Josh Green signed the legislation to raise funds for climate-related issues like eroding shorelines and wildfires, with expected annual revenue of nearly $100 million.
- While a U.S. District Judge
