Green Fee Advisory Council shares Green Fee funding recommendations for 2026 legislative session

The Green Fee Advisory Council has released its funding recommendations for the 2026 legislative session in its Recommendations Report, outlining how Green Fee revenues can be best invested to address the state's environmental, climate resilience and sustainable tourism needs. The report explains how projects were evaluated and describes how these recommendations informed the final list of recommendations transmitted by Governor Green to the legislature.

The Council’s recommendations specify 75 high-priority projects across the state. The funding recommendations total $126.41 million, with around $42 million allocated across three project categories that focus on environmental stewardship, climate and hazard mitigation and sustainable tourism priorities.

The Green Fee Advisory Council’s funding recommendations were transmitted to Governor Green for review and consideration. The Governor’s Office reviewed the list to determine which projects were feasible for inclusion in the proposal submitted to the Legislature. This review considered department capacity, available funding, and the ability to responsibly expend funds within the required timeline. The final list submitted by the Governor’s Office to the Legislature reflects those projects that could be realistically implemented while remaining aligned with the intent and priorities established by the Green Fee Advisory Council.

How Recommendations Were Made

The Council evaluated more than 600 project ideas submitted by the public via its Public Ideas Portal, as well as more than 100 proposals from state departments and agencies. Over $2 billion in total funding requests were received, indicating the overwhelming demand for Green Fee projects compared to the approximately $100 million in annual Green Fee funding available.

The projects and priority areas recommended by the Council address urgent needs, including native forest and plant restoration, wildfire and flood mitigation, coastal resilience, visitor site management, beach nourishment and infrastructure improvements. The Council also recommends that $1.5 million be appropriated for monitoring and evaluation to provide transparency into the impact and results of Green Fee-funded projects. 

See the funding recommendations below:

What Comes Next?

With the 2026 Legislative session in progress, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature will make all appropriations decisions for potential Green Fee projects. The Green Fee Advisory Council will work with the Legislature and the Governor’s Office to support the passage of the funding recommendations through the state’s budget bill.

The Green Fee Advisory Council encourages the public to participate in the legislative process by submitting testimony on the state budget bills. Testimony can be submitted at www.capitol.hawaii.gov. Your manaʻo is important – talk to your local representative or senator about Green Fee projects you are passionate about.