Hawaii’s New Cruise Tax: Overreach Threatening Economic Freedom and Constitutional Principles

In a move that raises serious constitutional questions and threatens economic vitality, Hawaii has imposed a hefty new tax on cruise ship passengers under the banner of climate change mitigation. This unprecedented levy is now facing a critical legal challenge that questions whether state officials have overstepped their authority in taxing navigable waters—a resource protected since America’s founding. Is Hawaii Sacrificing Economic Common Sense for Climate Trend Politics? Governor Josh Green’s recent signing of a tourist tax law, which includes an 11% surcharge on cruise ship bills prorated by days spent in Hawaiian ports, exemplifies an alarming expansion of government...