Editorial: Tap various sources for climate fee

By Honolulu Star-Advertiser Editorial Board

Hawaii, the time has come to get serious about funding state efforts for “climate mitigation and resiliency,” as the governor’s office terms it. The Legislature and governor’s office must cooperate to get a Climate Mitigation and Resiliency Special Fund up and running, and to fund it with all three of the proposals that are currently circulating: a hefty collection of interest earned on the state’s rainy day fund; an increase in the the state’s transient accommodations tax; and an admission charge for visitors at popular state attractions.

The state House has given a very preliminary approval to bills advancing two of these efforts, passing them through the House Energy and Environmental Protection Committee on the way to a make-or-break slot on the House Finance agenda.

Click here to read the full story in the February 9 Honolulu Star-Advertiser.