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flag Hawaii’s 11% cruise tax, set for 2026, will fund climate resilience efforts despite legal challenges.

flag A federal judge has allowed Hawaii to implement an 11% tax on cruise ship passengers’ fares starting in 2026, generating nearly $100 million annually to combat climate impacts like eroding shorelines and wildfires. flag The law, signed by Governor Josh Green, applies prorated taxes based on time spent in Hawaiian ports and includes increased taxes on hotels and vacation rentals. flag The Cruise Lines International Association, a Honolulu supply company, and tour operators from Kauai and the Big Island sued, arguing it violates the Constitution and could harm tourism, with a potential 3% county surcharge raising the total to 14%. flag The U.S. government intervened, calling the tax a federal law violation. flag The judge denied a request to block enforcement, allowing the law to proceed, with plaintiffs planning to appeal.

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