"Now Enjoy for 66,000 Won" Hawaii Plans to Charge Entrance Fee for Tourists

"Severe Damage to Natural Scenery by Tourists"

In Hawaii, USA, a world-renowned resort often called the "best paradise on earth," there is a discussion about effectively imposing an island entrance fee on tourists.

According to foreign media including the AP on the 5th (local time), the Hawaii State House of Representatives is pushing for the introduction of a bill to sell tourism permits to tourists. The purpose is to charge the restoration costs due to damage caused to Hawaii's natural scenery by tourists.

[Image source=Pixabay]

The bill currently under discussion requires tourists aged 15 and older who do not reside in Hawaii to purchase a tourism permit valid for one year when visiting forests, parks, hiking trails, or other natural areas owned by the state. However, those holding a Hawaii driver's license or other Hawaii state identification are exempt from the tourism permit.

Since Hawaii is famous for its natural scenery, most tourists are expected to visit various natural areas. Therefore, tourists will effectively pay an island entrance fee. There will be a five-year grace period after the law is enacted, after which fines will be imposed for violations. Currently, except for some popular spots, most state parks and hiking trails in Hawaii are free to enter.

The fees paid by tourists will be used for protecting Hawaii's natural environment, including coral reef restoration, prevention of pests and diseases in natural forests, and patrols to protect dolphins and turtles.

Earlier, the state senate passed a bill setting the fee at $50 (about 66,000 KRW), but the house is reconsidering the fee amount ahead of a vote scheduled for the 6th.

The Hawaii legislature's move to legislate an entrance fee comes as the number of tourists continues to increase, and they visit every corner of locations popularized on social media, making it difficult for state authorities to preserve the natural environment.

Governor Josh Green also pledged during last year's election campaign to impose a $50 entrance fee on all tourists coming to Hawaii.

He emphasized, "What I want is for travelers to take responsibility and pay money proportional to the impact they have on the natural environment. Hawaii has 1.4 million residents, but there are 9 to 10 million visitors annually. These 10 million tourists need to help us maintain the environment."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.