Federal court blocks Hawaii cruise tax for climate change.

A federal appeals court ruling on New Year’s Eve blocked Hawaii from enforcing a climate change tourist tax on cruise ship passengers set to begin in 2026, challenged by Cruise Lines International Association for violating the U.S. Constitution and increasing cruise costs. The tax imposed an 11% levy on gross fares, with an additional 3% surcharge by counties, aiming to generate nearly $100 million annually for climate-related issues. The ruling granted an injunction on the law’s enforcement on cruise ships pending appeals, temporarily halting its implementation.

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