Kauaʻi environmental, flood forecasting projects recommended for first green fee funding
By Emma Schneck for Kauaiʻi Now
Scott Nishi / UH Foundation
Earlier this month, the Green Fee Advisory Council created by Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green announced 75 projects it recommends for the first round of funding from the new tax, which is expected to generate about $130 million for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027.
For Kaua’i conservationists, these recommendations offered a glimpse of what critical environmental work may be funded, and also shows the big need with more than 600 projects submitted for the first round statewide, totaling more than $2 billion.
“One of the beautiful things about the green fee is that it provides funds year after year,” said Helen Raine, the Hawai’i conservation coordinator for Pacific Birds. “Even if your organization isn’t selected this year, there always is the opportunity to regroup and apply next year.”
The green fee, which increases transient accommodation taxes from 10.25% to 11%, took effect Jan. 1. It is expected to raise $42 million in the current fiscal year 2026, which ends June 30, and $87 million in fiscal year 2027, which ends June 30, 2027. This combined funding is for the first round of projects.
Starting in Fiscal Year 2028, the green fee is expected to generate about $100 million annually for environmental initiatives across the state, according to the latest Green Fee Advisory Council report.
The final funding decisions will be made by the State Legislature each year. For this round of funding, the advisory council divided its recommendations for $126.41 million in projects fairly evenly across three categories: $42.54 million for environmental stewardship, $41.72 million for climate resilience and hazard mitigation, and $42.15 million for sustainable tourism.
Many of the recommended projects made by the 10-member volunteer advisory council are statewide, with a few mentioning specific funding for work to be done on Kauaʻi.
Click here to read the full article published by Kauaiʻi Now on Feb. 22.
