Hawaii tourism officials are mulling an annual ‘ecotourism’ fee for visiting certain natural attractions.
It is the latest measure under consideration amid growing concerns of overtourism.
The state welcomes over nine million visitors a year.
Officials are discussing an annual fee for visiting state parks and trails.
“All I want to do is to make travellers accountable and have the capacity to help pay for the impact that they have,” Governor Josh Green recently said.
A $50 tourist fee was suggested last year although no cost has been disclosed yet
A bill currently under consideration would require visitors to pat an annual levy to enter forests, parks, trails or ‘other natural area on state land’.
Hawaii residents would be exempt.
Officials said the bill is still a ‘a work in progress’ which could be subject to further amendments.
