06-10-2018, 05:12 AM
the County should spend time and money figuring out how to pander to the tourism industry?
You do realize that tourism is the only industry we have, and that because tourism revenue is "imported", it's a net gain to our economy -- raising taxes (again) just reshuffles distribution without creating any new money.
$100 For 12 minute balloon ride
Excellent idea. If the Maku'u prototype goes well, maybe build another one closer to the lava, and charge double.
HPD has set the "lava viewing surcharge" at $500 (for those unlucky enough to be ticketed), so $100-200 is a bargain.
For that matter ... maybe set up a "designated trespass area" where tourists can see the lava and get ticketed -- if they pay their fine at the police station before leaving the island, they get a collectible "certificate of lava trespass" suitable for framing.
You do realize that tourism is the only industry we have, and that because tourism revenue is "imported", it's a net gain to our economy -- raising taxes (again) just reshuffles distribution without creating any new money.
$100 For 12 minute balloon ride
Excellent idea. If the Maku'u prototype goes well, maybe build another one closer to the lava, and charge double.
HPD has set the "lava viewing surcharge" at $500 (for those unlucky enough to be ticketed), so $100-200 is a bargain.
For that matter ... maybe set up a "designated trespass area" where tourists can see the lava and get ticketed -- if they pay their fine at the police station before leaving the island, they get a collectible "certificate of lava trespass" suitable for framing.