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quote:
Originally posted by Damon
I like the idea of a Tourism TAX
Just remember, when you step foot off Hawaii, you're the tourist.
Posts: 1,581
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I guess the bigger question is who do you propose this tax impacts?
All non-residents who disembark from a plane or ship?
Foreigners?
Some foreigners
Certain Foreigners?
Including US Citizens
Not including US Citizens?
Friends?
Family?
Visiting educators?
Visiting Doctors?
Exemptions for or no exemption for funerals?
Native Hawaiians who happen to live on the mainland for work?
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Damon, your proposal has so my unintended consequences.Read Bob Orts
latest post again. Actually you may want to read it a couple times.
On top of that Hawaii is already a tax hell. Adding this "tax" will
simply perpetuate this stigma.
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I’m all for diversifying Hawaii’s economy, but the notion of limiting the number of tourists to help Hawaii’s environment is naïve, reckless and irresponsible. Correct me if I’m wrong, but wouldn’t the residents of Hawaii have more control over “helping the environment” than tourists? Here’s an idea: how about WE (the residents) take responsibility instead of pointing fingers at tourists? So many things we can do, from improving our recycling system to educating our children (and tourists?) on respecting the land, etc.
Unless you hunt, fish, grow your own veggies and live in a tent, limiting tourism will adversely affect your quality of life here. As stated in a previous post, oil prices will probably bring about your desired result. Be careful what you wish for.
Tim
A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions--Confucius
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I'm supprised Hawaii doesn't already have a tourist tax. I think they are commonly called a bed tax at least they are in Florida. I believe in most places in FL the rental agreement has to exceed 6 months to avoid paying the tax. It's a local county tax and the revenue commonly goes largely back into developing the tourism industry.
I was working in the tourism industry in Hawaii when the recession hit in the 70s. The recession hit Hawaii's tourism industry late but when it hit, it hit hard. It's the reason I left Hawaii. No work. Lets pray that we don't have a repeat performance. It will hurt almost everyone.
Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.
Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.
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There is a bed tax, oink. It's almost 12%. The least expensive hotels and condos (the ones I can afford, run $700-1,400) per week, and the more upscale hotels and condos, the weekly rates run from $3,000 to whatever you're willing to spend. 12% of $1,000 is, er, um, lots. ;-)
"In Hawaii, accommodations are subject to a maximum total tax of 11.962% consisting of a Transient Accommodation Tax (TAT) of 7.25%, a General Excise Tax (GET) of 4.16%, plus a Honolulu County Surcharge Tax (CST) of 0.552% applicable to Oahu only."
http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/accr.htm
Maui has recently created an additional tax for timeshares, I understand, equal to half the daily maintenance fee for the timeshare.
http://www.hawaiireporter.com/story.aspx...a4446b09df
Lastly, here's the applicable law:
http://www.mauimapp.com/government/hrs237d.htm
How do I know?
Aloha! ;-)
] as long as we did the same to tourists coming here.