‘Green fee’ proposals to boost Hawai‘i’s environment, disaster resilience on path to approval

HJI / Coleen Uechi

By Colleen Uechi for Maui Now

For nearly 30 years on the leeward slopes of Haleakalā, the Auwahi Forest Restoration Project has been actively converting pasture land back into Hawaiian dry forest.

Thousands of saplings have been planted at Auwahi, an area known for its diversity with about 30 different species of trees. Still, it’s “only a small fraction of the once vast forest system on the leeward side of Maui,” said Robert Pitts, a Kīhei resident involved with the project. 

That’s why Pitts is eager to see state lawmakers approve a sweeping plan to invest about $130 million in climate impact taxes, known as “green fees,” into 75 projects, many of which are aimed at restoring the environment and improving Hawai‘i’s resilience in the face of disaster. 

On Wednesday, that plan survived a key hurdle when the Hawai‘i House of Representatives’ Finance Committee approved a draft of the state budget that included support for nearly all of the recommended projects. The budget now heads to the Senate for its consideration. 

For community members involved with conservation, the green fees are a priceless opportunity.

Click here to read the full article published by Maui Now on Mar. 13.