The stunning island state of Hawaii is considering the introduction of a tourist tax to be paid by holidaymakers whenever they check into a hotel or vacation rental on the territory.
A new legislation, the House Bill 2406, regarding this fee, was proposed in late February and would require tourists to fork out around ￡19.63 ($25) at the beginning of their stay.
A similar tax is expected to generate some ￡53million ($68m) per year - which would go to the Climate Health and Environmental Action Special Fund.
The funds raised would likely be used to help protect the unique Hawaiian beaches and territory and prevent wildfires, which in recent years have ravaged Hawaii.
Josh Green, who has been the governor of Hawaii since 2022, has voiced his support for this measure.
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The funds collected from this proposal would be used by the state's Department of Land and Natural Resources.
More than 9.6 million visitors headed to Hawaii in 2023. While holidaymakers bolster the economy, they also have a significant impact on the territory and the lives of locals.
The large waves of tourists arriving in the state and outnumbering locals put a strain on infrastructure as well as on its beaches, mountain trails and forests.
The housing crisis being experienced in Hawaii, one of the worst in the US, is being worsened also by overtourism, accused of driving up the cost of living to the point many Hawaiians can't afford to rent or buy a property.
Moreover, huge investments into infrastructure aiming at accommodating large numbers of tourists have reduced the space for locals as well as the natural habitats for native animal species.