Gov. Green appoints Green Fee Advisory Council ahead of tourism tax taking effect
Gov. Green has named his advisory council that will provide guidance on what funds collected by the state's new "Green Fee" should be spent on.
By HNN Staff
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Hawaii Gov. Josh Green announced the creation of a Green Fee Advisory Council, who will be responsible for giving guidance on how to spend the newly enacted Green Fee funds.
Green signed into law the country’s first-ever lodging tax that tourists pay to offset the impacts of climate change back in May.
The money collected from the fees is intended be spent on projects that strengthen Hawaii’s environmental resilience and sustainable tourism.
The Green Fee goes into effect Jan. 1, 2026, and is expected to bring in an estimated $100 million annually.
The council will allocate that money to programs that promote environmental stewardship, hazard mitigation, infrastructure resilience, and enhancing visitor experiences.
“This Green Fee is a generational commitment to protect Hawaii’s future,” Green said. “Under the leadership of Jeff Mikulina and this advisory council, every dollar collected will work smarter and harder to safeguard our natural and cultural treasures, build climate resilience, and share responsibility with visitors for the stewardship of our islands.”
First, the council will develop criteria for evaluating projects.
Then they will evaluate funding proposals and make recommendations of projects Green could include in his Executive Supplemental Budget request.
Green Fee Advisory Council Members
Eric Co – CEO of the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, with 25+ years in ocean management, community development and climate resilience across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.
Lea Hong: Hawaii State Director of The Trust for Public Land since 2006, championing restoration of lands to Native Hawaiian stewardship and sustainable community spaces.
Dennis Hwang: Faculty, University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program, NOAA, lead author for the ‘Homeowner’s Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazards" and member of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency’s Hawaii Earthquake and Tsunami Advisory Committee.
Janice Ikeda: Founding CEO of Vibrant Hawaii, advancing resilience networks and community-led development across Hawaii Island
Michelle Kaʻuhane: Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President at Hawaii Community Foundation; experience in non-profit management, community-based economic development, and public policy advocacy.
Dr. Jack Kittinger: Conservation scientist and Research Professor at Arizona State University; leads Conservation International’s Center for Regenerative Economies.
Keoni Kuoha: Long-time Hokulea crew member and Maui community leader, with deep experience in governance, indigenous resource stewardship and nonprofit leadership.
Jeff Mikulina (Chair): Executive Director of Climate Hawai’i; strategist in social impact and sustainable development, spearheading statewide climate initiatives.
Carmela Resuma: Destination Stewardship Director at Kilohana by the Hawaiian Council, integrating culture, tourism and aina stewardship in community programs.
Jeff Wagoner: President and CEO of Outrigger Hospitality Group; leads a global portfolio of beach resorts, hotels, vacation condominiums and retail operations and has a more than three decade career in hospitality.
The Green Fee Advisory Council will host an introductory webinar on Sept. 24, at 10:30 a.m., which will include a discussion of the purpose of the newly formed Green Fee Advisory Council and a preview of the allocation process.
Interested community members are encouraged to register in advance.
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