Hawaii lawmakers raise the state’s hotel tax to help the islands cope with climate change | Business…

HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii lawmakers passed on Friday first-of-its-kind legislation that will increase the state’s lodging tax to raise money for environmental protection and strengthening defenses against climate change -fueled natural disasters.

Gov. Josh Green supports the bill, indicating he will sign it. The bill adds a 0.75% levy to the state’s existing tax on hotel rooms, timeshares, vacation rentals and other short-term accommodations. It also imposes a new 11% tax on cruise ship bills, prorated for the number of days the vessels are in Hawaii ports.

Officials estimate the tax will generate nearly…