The lawsuit says the the cruise ship industry draws nearly 300,000 visitors to Hawaii every year.

A lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Hawaii imposing a tourist tax to deal with climate change consequences seeks to stop officials from enforcing the new law on cruise ship passengers.

In the nation’s first such levy to help cope with a warming planet, Hawaii Governor Josh Green signed legislation in May that raises tax revenue to address eroding shorelines, wildfires and other climate problems. Officials estimate the tax will generate nearly US$100-million annually.

The levy increases rates on hotel room and vacation rental stays but also imposes a new 11-per-cent tax on cruise ship bills starting next year, prorated for the number of days the vessels are in Hawaii ports. Th

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