Several passengers who recently disembarked in Honolulu at Pier 10 shared their feelings about an additional fee for cruising in Hawaiʻi waters.
Russell and Esther James from Lubbock, Texas, told HPR that they want to be helpful to the places they visit.
"Given the cost of the cruise, it's so minor, not going to be a deterrent for us," Russell said. "And if it's helpful to the places we visit, then why not?"
David Simard said he understands why some ports are pushing back.
"I recognize that sometimes cruise ships can overburden a port city, but it's all a matter of how much and what's the value for what the price is," Simard said.
Charlie Squires shared that he fully supports the environmental impact fee.
"I think they've done a great job in New Zealand with charging an environmental impact fee for everybody who comes in," Squires said. "I support anything that supports the environment."
This story aired on The Conversation on June 12, 2026. The Conversation airs weekdays at 11 a.m.
