Tourists visiting Hawaii, which is well-known as a world-class resort, are expected to pay an ‘admission fee’ in the future. The price is said to be still under discussion.
The Associated Press reported on the 6th (local time) that the Hawaii State House of Representatives is pushing for a bill that would impose an admission fee on tourists in the name of conservation costs. The news agency said that this is because the damage to nature is becoming serious due to the increasing number of tourists every year. Currently, most state parks and trails are operated free of charge, except for some famous tourist destinations in Hawaii.
Reportedly, the State House requires non-Hawaiian residents 15 years of age and older to purchase an annual license (pass) online or through an application (app) to visit Hawaii’s forests, parks, trails, or natural areas in Hawaii. enacted the bill.
In addition, if the law is implemented, fines are not imposed for five years as a guidance period, but fines may be imposed under civil law. In addition, after five years, fines are imposed for violations of the law. However, if you have a Hawaiian driver’s license or other local identification card, you will be exempted from paying admission.
Previously, the state senate passed a bill setting a $50 tourist permit fee (about 66,000 won). However, the news agency reported that each lawmaker has different opinions on the amount of admission, and is discussing it.
The admission fee will be used to protect and restore Hawaii’s natural environment. It is the cost of work such as restoring coral reefs caused by ship grounding and patrolling to deter tourists from harassing marine life such as dolphins.
In particular, places that are not well known through social media become popular attractions, and state authorities are having more difficulty conserving the natural environment. “Twenty years ago, tourists were all about visiting one or two beaches and Pearl Harbor,” said Sean Quinlan, chairman of the Hawaii State House Tourism Committee. said.
“Hawaii gets between 9 and 10 million visitors a year, but only 1.4 million live here,” said Hawaii Governor Josh Green. To make them pay for the impact.” In addition, during his campaign last year, Gov. Josh promised to charge visitors to Hawaii a $50 entrance fee.
Lee Ye-ji,
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.