Hawaii plans to raise the hotel tax to 11% first to pay for projects to cope with climate change
With the first generous move, Hawaii legislators are ready to hike a tax set for passengers in hotels, a holiday rental and other short -term accommodation, and breathe new money for the programs to deal with the planet.
State leaders claim that they use tools for projects such as sand upgrading on beaches, helping homeowners install hurricane clips on their roofs and removing invasive grass Like those that encouraged a deadly fire that destroyed the lobby two years ago.
In addition to 0.75% of the daily tax rate on Wednesday, the bill for house and Senate votes on Wednesday starts from 1 January. This is all, but it will certainly pass when Democrats hold supermajor in both chambers and party leaders, have agreed on this measure. Gov Josh Green has said he signs it to the law.
According to officials, growth of $ 100 million a year earns new income.
“We had a $ 13 billion tragedy in Mauis and lost 102 people. Such dollars help us prevent this next disaster,” Green said in an interview.
Green said that Hawaii was the first state to do something about it. Andrey Yushkov, a senior analyst at Max Foundation, a DC-based non-profit non-profit association in Washington, said he was not aware of any other states that have accommodated tax revenue for environmental protection or climate change.
By adding a hefty tax already
Growth already adds a relatively high obligation to stay in the short term. The country's existing 10.25% tax would increase to 11% for everyday prices. In addition, the Hawaiian counties will both add their 3% premium, and the state and counties set a total of 4.712% of the total excise duty on goods and services, including hotel rooms. Together, it gives a tax rate of nearly 19%.
The only major US cities with higher cumulative and local accommodation rates are Omaha, Nebraska, 20.5%and Cincinnati, 19.3%, respectively, 19.3%respectivelyHVS -I 2024 ReportGlobal hospitality counseling company.
ItsThe governor has long been sayingThe 10 million visitors who come to Hawaii every year should help the country's 1.4 million inhabitants protect the environment.
Green believes that passengers are willing to pay the increased tax as it allows Hawaii to keep the beach perfect and keep your favorite places like Maui'sMake a way to Hanaand the coastline alongThe northern shore of the beanTo. After Maui's cost fire, Green said he heard from thousands of people all over the country asking how they could help. He said this was an important way.
There are mixed feelings in the hotel industry
Jerry Gibson, President of the Hawaii Hotel Alliance representing the country's hotel operators, said that the industry was pleased that the legislators did not adopt higher growth initially proposed.
“I don't think there is someone in the tourism industry who says,” Well, let's go out and tax more. “Nobody wants to see it,” Gibson said. “But our country needs money at the same time.”
Gibson said the silver lining is that the money should be decorated with the Hawaiian environment. It is worth it if it is, he said.
Hawaii has long worked hard for the huge environmental and nature conservation needs of the islands, ranging from itProtecting coral reefsInvasive plants weed control to make sure that tourists do notharassfor exampleHawaii Monk sealsTo. The state must also maintain a large network of trails, many of which have a harder foot traffic, as more passengers decide to hike on vacation.
Two years ago legislatorsis considered to demand touristsPay a year -long license or passport to visit state parks and trails. Green wanted all visitors to pay $ 50 to enter the state, said that the legislators said the US to violate the constitutional protection for free travel.
Increasing accommodation tax is their compromise solution, which made Maui forest fires more urgent.
Big funding
The promotion group, Aina Now, calculated a $ 561 million salmon between the needs of Hawaii's defense funding and money spent each year.
Green acknowledged the income from the tax increase, but said that the state issues bonds to amplify the money raised. Most of the $ 100 million would go to measures that can be treated within one to two years, while $ 10-15 million would pay for supporting bonds for long -term infrastructure projects.
Kāwika Riley, a member of the governor's climate counseling team, pointed out Hawaii to explain a new tax, saying, “A stranger for only one day”. The speech word means that the visitor should help work after the first guest.
“Nobody says that literally our visitors have to come here and work for us. But what we say is that it is important to be part of the solution,” Riley said. “It is important to be part of caring for loved things.”
This story was originally reflected on Fortune.com
