Federal ruling blocks Hawaii’s climate change tourist tax on cruise ships

A cruise ship, background, is docked in Honolulu, March 23, 2020. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones, File)

By Jennifer Sinco Kelleher for The Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP) — A federal appeals court ruling on New Year’s Eve blocked Hawaii from enforcing a climate change tourist tax on cruise ships passengers, a levy that was set to go into effect at the start of 2026.

Cruise Lines International Association challenged the tax in a lawsuit, arguing that the new law violates the U.S. Constitution by taxing cruise ships for entering Hawaii ports. They also argued it would make cruises more expensive. The lawsuit notes the law authorizes counties to collect an additional 3% surcharge, bringing the total to 14% of prorated fares.

Click here to read the full story published by The Associated Press on Dec. 31