Projects mentioned in this story: Hawai‘i Green Fee

From Fodor's Travel:

Aerial drone footage shows a swarm of surfers paddling in all directions alongside breaking waves—but the surfers appear ominous rather than graceful, like insects infecting the rich green waters. An automated female voiceover narrates: “the tourism economy in Hawaii is hurting our home. It has been for a long time.” With over 1.1 million views, a TikTok posted on @HawaiiGreenFee advocates for tourists to pay a visitor green fee when staying on the islands.

It’s a timely message as less than 1% of Hawai‘i’s state budget is invested into its natural resources even though Hawai‘i’s oceans, coral reefs, beaches, and mountains contribute billions of dollars to the local communities, economy, and tourists, according to Green Passport: Innovative Financing Solutions for Conservation in Hawai‘i. The report details that the annual financing deficit amounts to more than $360 million per year. This shortfall has the potential to annihilate the future of the tourism industry in Hawai‘i, but luckily, there is a local movement for ethical tourism solutions.

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