04-25-2016, 02:34 PM
quote:To say "As opposed to no jobs at all?" is silly. If we didn't focus on one industry we'd focus on another. To be so fatalistic as to say any situation is do or die isn't realistic, is it?
Originally posted by leilanidude
"Critics say the industry offers poorly paid jobs and exploits Hawaiian culture. "
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Hmmm... As opposed to no jobs at all? BTW, almost all of the resorts are union - and those people are not making anywhere near minimum wage, which is one reason why the hotels cost so much for a night's stay. The other reason is the outrageous hotel taxes this state has.
Otherwise, the way I figure it the real reason the hotels costs what they do has very little to do with the cost of labor and a whole lot with what the market will bare. If labor was cheaper the cost of a room wouldn't be. It would just mean more profit for the owners. If the labor was better paid, the profit margin would be that much lower.
As to the amount being paid to the employees.. does anyone know of any non-upper-management employees getting any more than just by on their salaries? And if they were why in the world would one begrudge anyone making a decent living?
As to the transient tax. Would you rather Hawaii residences pay it out in higher taxes ourselves?
And still, methinks, the cost of the rooms will stay as high as the owners can push them.