Ship passengers will soon to start paying the same visitor tax as hotel guests to help cover the conservation fee — unless the cruise lines can stop it in court.

A major trade group representing cruise lines from around the world is suing to stop key elements of Hawaiʻi’s landmark green fee, which will soon start charging their passengers for time spent in port to help the state combat environmental harm and climate change.

The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court by the Cruise Lines International Association , argues the new fee is unconstitutional.

Specifically, it contends the green fee violates the U.S. Constitution’s Tonnage Clause and the Rivers and Harbors Act , which limit states’ abilities to charge vessels for docking in their ports and navigating their waters

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