The Green Fee Advisory Council was convened by Governor Green to provide crucial guidance on how to appropriate Green Fee funds in ways that bolster environmental conservation, disaster resilience and sustainable tourism in Hawaiʻi.
The Green Fee Advisory Council’s Recommendations Report outlines how Year 1 Green Fee revenues can be best invested to address the state's environmental, climate resilience and sustainable tourism needs during the 2026 legislative session. The report explains how projects were evaluated and describes how these recommendations informed the Governor’s budget proposal and legislative consideration.
Year 1 Funding Recommendations
On Feb. 2, 2026, the Green Fee Advisory Council (GFAC) announced its funding recommendations via public webinar. Council members explained the rationale and evaluation process that led to the final set of recommendations. These recommendations were transmitted by Governor Josh Green to the 2026 Hawaiʻi State Legislature for consideration in the current legislative session.
Webinar on Funding Recommendations for the 2026 Legislature
Access the Green Fee Advisory Council’s Webinar on Evaluation Criteria and Presentation.
Access the Green Fee Advisory Council’s Introductory Webinar and Presentation.
As directed in Act 96, Green Fee funds will address three key categories at the intersection of our environment, the climate crisis and visitor impacts. Each category will receive the same amount of Green Fee funds to ensure equitable prioritization:
What can Green Fee funds go towards?
Environmental Stewardship
Initiatives that protect Hawaiʻi’s land and aquatic resources or preserve native flora and fauna.
Climate and Hazard Resilience
Initiatives that harden infrastructure or mitigate wildfire and flood risks.
Sustainable
Tourism
Initiatives that support destination management, beach nourishment and park improvements.
Meet the Green Fee Advisory Council
The Green Fee Advisory Council members are voluntary local experts in climate, environmental stewardship, sustainable tourism and disaster resilience who contribute their diverse backgrounds and knowledge from conservation science to disaster preparedness to indigenous governance.
Eric Co
Lea Hong
Dennis Hwang
Janice Ikeda
Carmela Resuma
Jeff Wagoner
Jack Kittinger, Ph.D.
Michelle Kaʻuhane
Jeff Mikulina, Chair
Keoni Kuoha
Get the Details on Act 96
Passed by the 2025 legislature, Act 96 established Hawaiʻi’s historic climate impact fee, known as the “green fee,” that unlocks dedicated funding for critical environmental and infrastructure initiatives that improve disaster resilience without placing the financial burden on local residents.
