This week, Hawaii Governor Josh Green signed legislation creating a new funding stream to build resiliency by providing a stable source of funding for environmental stewardship, hazard mitigation and sustainable tourism. More: governor.hawaii.gov/newsroom/office-of-the-governor-news-release-gov-green-signs-historic-senate-...
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Earle Kukahiko never thought he’d lose everything in a single night. His family home in Wahikuli — the one his parents built, the one where generations were raised — was reduced to ash.
“We left the house with just the clothes on our backs. We didn’t think we were going to lose everything.”
For two nights, Earle and his wife slept in their cars out in Kapalua. After that, it was borrowed spaces, a borrowed condo, a tent in his sister’s backyard — anything to stay close to family and to the pets they managed to rescue.
But just days before their temporary housing expired, Ka La‘i Ola called.
“We were so very fortunate. Ka La‘i Ola called, and they had a unit available. We asked if we could stay together as a family. And they said yes.”
Earle and his ʻohana moved into one unit — intentionally staying together to make space for other displaced families. Since then, they’ve built something steady: a place where grandkids play freely, neighbors share food from their gardens, and kindness is part of daily life.
“We’ve been here ever since. Very grateful. They’ve been nothing but generous and accommodating.”
It’s not just the physical space that matters — it’s the sense of safety and dignity.
“Community is security. It’s knowing our grandkids can leave their bikes out and they’ll still be there when we get home. That’s what this place has given us.”
Uncle Earle’s story is about more than loss. It’s about choosing care over comfort, holding family close, and helping rebuild Lahaina with purpose and heart.
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Once again, Hawaiʻi is at the forefront of protecting our natural resources, recognizing their fundamental role in sustaining the ecological, cultural and economic health of Hawaiʻi. As an island chain, Hawaiʻi cannot wait for the next disaster to hit before taking action. We must build resiliency now, and the Green Fee will provide the necessary financing to ensure resources are available for our future.
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Hawai‘i made history — again. Today, I signed into law the nation’s first-ever Green Fee, a bold, necessary step to protect our islands in the face of climate change. Starting in 2026, visitors will contribute to the care of our environment through a modest increase in the transient accommodations tax (TAT), including for the first time ever, cruise ships. This legislation represents a turning point in how we finance environmental protection, disaster resilience and sustainable tourism in Hawai‘i.
As a physician, I’ve learned that prevention is more powerful than crisis response — and the same is true for climate change. Following the devastating Maui wildfires, we formed the Climate Advisory Team (CAT) to guide Hawai‘i’s climate policy, and one of their top recommendations was clear: we need a stable, dedicated funding stream for resilience and environmental stewardship. The Green Fee is that answer.
It’s estimated to generate over $100 million a year — funds that will go directly toward restoring our shorelines, protecting ecosystems, hardening infrastructure and supporting the long-term health and safety of our communities.
I want to mahalo our legislators, environmental advocates, industry leaders and community members who pushed this through. Your voices made this moment possible. We’re leading the nation — again — by showing how island values and global responsibility can walk hand in hand.
The Green Fee honors our kuleana — our shared responsibility — to care for this land and each other. Let’s make sure that the Hawai‘i we love today is still thriving for our keiki tomorrow.
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Join Governor Josh Green for a press conference. Subject matter to be announced at the press conference.
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