More taxes and fees
disproportionately impacting Hawaii visitors planned.
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304 thoughts on “New Hawaii Tourist Fees: Creative Hikes Set to Curb Tourism”
More taxes and fees
disproportionately impacting Hawaii visitors planned.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Looks like I won’t be returning to my beloved Kauai for quite sometime.
Thank you Beat of Hawaii for sharing critical And objective information to us on the Mainland. Mahalo.
This is truly the best thing I have and will read all day today. Finally, people are listening to what the Kanaka Maoli want. I can’t wait for things to be how it was during Covid..
Yeah, right! More people losing their jobs after even locally owned small businesses ate forced to close! Such a great thing you are wishing on the majority while supporting the vocal minority!
Lol you must not be from Hawaii lol. You must not know about All the protests that happen Every Single year. Matter of fact, me and my son just went to the annexation protest in Honolulu town on Wednesday. Because learning about the lies of the annexation and to protest that wrongful action is the most important thing that I can teach him. We are not Americans 😭😭 Anyway, so we went and marched and chanted from Mauna’ala to ‘Iolani palace
And guess what? You Still ate occupying space in the 50th state of the USA and no marches, protests, or chanting is Ever going to change that. Talk about being out of touch with reality.
Do you realize that tourism accounts for roughly 1/4 of Hawaii’s economy? What are the locals that are employed in tourism supposed to do for money? I get that Hawaii would be great without tourists but there’s nothing in real time that can replace the money they bring in. You think things are bad now, just wait until there’s 15-20 percent unemployment in Oahu and Maui.
Curbing tourism and eliminating tourism are not the same thing.
Lol I’d love to see Hawaii go back to growing things. I’m perfectly fine with growing things like niu, ‘awa, Kalo, Noni etc etc. Then we could double down and grow things like Kalamungai and medicinal Marijuana for medical purposes (along with noni, Olena and ‘awa) and food (like Kalo and niu, ulu) etc etc. Then I would like to see hydroelectric established for Mauka homes and wave technology for the makai homes and solar for all homes (while returning to ahupua’a style communities aka along the rivers) to curb the cost of electric. But nah, maybe we should remain the monkeys in their “controlled zoo” who do a show for some petty scratch. It’s worked so far right?
Hydroelectric power on an Island chain that has had frequent drought conditions!? And while the concept of solar cells seems like a fix there is the issue of just how dirty the manufacturing of those panels actually is and if you want the lights on at night you need batteries to store the charge and their manufacturing is even dirtier than solar panels. Time for a reality check on that stuff.
And how would Hawaii pay for all of what you are proposing, that infrastructure is not cheap.
Here’s another thought… you could have what you want right now, move to Ni‘ihau.
Ni’ihau is privately owned by the Robinson family and not open to the public. Hawaiians do reside there.
To Rory… exactly brah, if you are Hawaiian and feel that strongly about going back to a time period where people are farming, Ni‘ihau is probably a good option, so is Kalalau.
Before you decide to try and make a point again, I do realize that Hawaiians cannot move to Ni‘ihau as they want. None of this is realistic and I would encourage people with this mindset to camp for a few months living off the land, then reassess how important modern amenities are to them and how visitors contribute to this lifestyle.
I can’t wait for the federal government to pull funding either! Certainly isn’t the mainlanders job to bail hawaii out of its own poor planning and disasters. Don’t get to tell people to stay away but continue to leech their money. 🤙
Hahahaha. You must have us confused.
I agree. You should bring that up to your senator and mention the constitution when you do so please. Hopefully you’re a veteran as well (unfortunately I was a u.s. marine) but it typically works pretty well if you say that youre looking to defend the constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. My response is they committed wrongs and brought foreign nation into domestic issues. It wasn’t the Hawaiians (or the slave) who asked to be enslaved right? Maybe we can finally right the wrong of the u.s.
Right the wrong of the US? Sounds good on paper so who would you expect to defend Hawaii when either China or Russia comes calling to take over Hawaii because they treat their own citizens so well, said no one Ever!?
It won’t be like Covid… no government bailout.
The entire economy will be impacted with less tourists and jobs outside of tourism will be affected as well, forcing Hawaiians to move to the mainland, basic economics.
One issue with your wish is the govt isn’t going to write checks for people who don’t have jobs. Housing prices are going to drop, wages aren’t going to magically increase and jobs related to tourism, airline workers, hotels workers, landscape companies, restaurants, will be cut and won’t be replaced. Now that may not impact you, but it will impact your neighbors.
It is my hope that you never get that covid time again, certainly not getting free money to do nothing for sure.
Your attitude is just so wrong
These tax and fees have nothing to do with, keeping people from going to Hawaii. It’s All about more money in the the governments pockets to waste on their agenda not the people. You’re not fooling anyone.
Just more taxing the people and putting more money in the government for more waste. Taxation without representation. I curse every tax in Hawaii.
“Taxation without representation” is on every Washington, DC license plate because they don’t allow them to have a “voting” representative, congressman(or woman) or senator.
I’m sorry, but taxes don’t fix stupid. Lahaina fires were a result of poor planning and management. Ineptitude in government management, wrong policies, people in position, poor judgement, and flat out ignorance and laziness.
My family and I have been going to Maui for 25 years. However we noticed last April during our last trip the various fees and tax have been steadily increasing. Since there is only so much money in our vacation budget to spend around the unfortunate impact is we maybe forced to reduce the amount we tip service workers. We have a volunteer vacation to help with the rebuild planned later this year so we may need to reconsider future visits. We’ve continued our trips even though we moved from CA to FL a couple years ago. We may need to look into Caribbean vacation spots.
We have been coming to Maui from the east coast for 17 years spending thousands of dollars. If taxes and fees start making it harder to visit, while we will be disappointed, there’s plenty of other destinations that will welcome our tourists dollars
What happened to the Aloha spirit? This is not welcoming and seems like a big posted sign that says keep out.
That is exactly what it is… finally the tourism agency is listening to what us Hawaiians want. You can visit somewhere else though 🤙
Just another nonsense comment because apparently you want to turn Hawaii into a pauper state totally under the control of the government that will provide you with handouts. Sounds like such a great life for no one!
Kinda’ like what has existed for years in states like AL, MS… and a host of states that can’t raise enough revenue to take care of their own, depending on the states that contribute more in federal tax dollars than they receive, no?
Finally, one Hawaiian commenting here. Mahalo!
Tried to give you “thumbs up”, but it didn’t work …
Tourism in Hawaii was great. We loved tourists and sharing the Aloha with all that came to visit. Then the tourists started becoming nastier and nastier and the sense of entitlement and privilege skyrocketed. Yes we will miss some of your mainland dollars but the number of friendly people coming to visit from other countries are filling the void.
Keith, I am just wondering why you think the increase in fees and taxes won’t affect tourists from other countries? Things are tough economically all over the world right now. Just because someone is not from the US doesn’t mean they are willing to be taken advantage of and will not consider other beautiful destinations that give them more for their money and where they feel welcome. Unfortunately “mindful” tourists (aka rich people) don’t get that way by being foolish with their money.
Cheryl. It’s interesting that you equate mindful with wealth.
Ever visited Tokyo? Have you checked fuel costs in Europe? By comparison Hawaii is a bargain.
Yes, because their taxes are higher. However, both have small cars and don’t need to fill up a truck or SUV. Personally, I hope we get more EV stations on Maui. Love my electric car.
I realized years ago that Hawaiians were friendlier once they found out we were originally from Europe.
I booked a Hawaiian Airlines flight for our family for March and I wish I had not done so. The hike in accommodation prices and taxes is exorbitant. I’m from New Zealand with an exchange rate of NZ$1.00 = US$0.63. Last time we visited Hawaii it was expensive but now it’s become ridiculous. The worst part is that the quality of the accommodation is substandard for the price we have to pay. You need a second mortgage to rent a two bedroom condo. Coming to NZ would be like heaven for Hawaiian nationals on holiday. Try reducing incoming flights instead of ripping off families. Dismayed from New Zealand.
Just visited NZ from Hawaii, and man it is so nice, with friendly people and beautiful warm weather! Lots cheaper than our home state (Hawaii)
I just got back from New Zealand as well.
The Māori people have a similar culture and history to the Hawaiians, with similar “stolen lands” from a century ago. However, the Māori hold no tourist resentments. They told me that they have learned to coexist peacefully with the government, the non-Māori residents, and the tourists. Some in Hawaii could learn a lesson or two from the Māori.
This is trying to make up for the Hawaiian and Maui government’s poor planning and management of the major source of revenue for the state. Very short-sighted and discriminatory against the entire tourist industry on the islands. Like it or not, tourism supports the state economy.
Why not just add 1% to the sales tax and let everyone who spends money on anything help support the economy?
A comment suggesting renting a part-time home for six months: we don’t want strangers sleeping in our bed or getting in our closets, and we do not ever want a landlord-tenant relationship. We would have considered renting to fire victims, but how could one evict if the tenants were awful? A kind couple is dealing with destructive tenants in their remodeled unit. The people who moved in won’t be able to pay for the damage.
I went to a FEMA meeting at the Westin and the only concern I heard from owners of short-term rentals were that they would need to deal with their off-island property managers rather than those they had used and trusted for many years. So, it seems to me that there are good property managers out there. For disclosure purpose, I am a licensed Realtor and property manager (long term rentals only).
2 years ago you had an impact study on the possible risks of fires and climate change. You also were given money and did nothing. All corrupt officials should be fired including the governor. Charging $50 to make up for your mistake isn’t justified. Tourists should not be punished for bad governance that affects the lives of real people.
Wow is the Hawaiian government corrupt & should be ashamed for taking advantage of those affected by the tragic fire for their own benefits. Every beach town everywhere depends on tourism for their Living! Those that don’t like the tourist areas live inland. Talk to the Real locals in the tourism areas – they say please come visit, we need & depend on tourism. The government, nor Especially the media share this. Many locals have said the media is going to ruin their lives if they continue to falsely report that Maui residents do not welcome tourist! It’s working tho. I sure don’t want to go there.
Well, maybe I’ll reconsider going somewhere else. Ive been going to Maui and Kauai since 1992. Ive done nothing to harm the environment. Saying that you want to keep tourists out by raising fees on cars, hotels and a $50 entry fee is not right. We are not made out of money. Maybe you should raise property taxes on your residents.
My only comment is, hey the islands are losing their Aloha every minute now. I do not like seeing the food trucks littering the green space, now there are homeless in front of Kaanapali resorts and instead of locals farming to sustain life, they are marching for ?? as Gov Greene does not see or hear them. 55 years of being a wonderful contributor to the islands, I really dont have the time or care. Its all about politics and greed. This is just one State of Example of this sad sad World. Color me….out of here!
Another power move by an overregulated, money grabbing, inefficient government and the unelected cronies. Sadly, I will no longer be able to afford visiting my Ohana, and as a 35 yr, Hawaii resident, not see my real home again.
You win, Hawaii. I would like to see where I spent a good portion of my youth. But I will not go to Hawaii based due to the high taxes you have.
Please don’t insult my intelligence. Fees are also taxes. Don’t pretend they aren’t.
The state of Hawaii has made it clear that the Aloha spirit no longer exists. When everyone was making a profit off the back of tourism, that was great. Now the people of Hawaii has spoken with this greed and push back on tourism. Well, you can have it. There are so many places on earth that are just as beautiful and much cheaper. It is a shame that your main economy is tourism, but you’ll do everything in your power to ensure your pockets are lined up with the greed and arrogance of not sharing your good fortune. So be it. That is why the Japanese are no longer visiting like they use to, and you’ll soon see the rest of us will follow along with Europe and Canada
Ditto!
Oh thank God. Finally, people are getting the hint. I mean it’s not like Hawaiians was coming out with videos during and after covid saying how we was happy for the low tourism turn out and then post covid people made videos saying Hawaii is still closed and to visit somewhere else. It’s like yall finally understand us and finally “heard” us.
Where is the money going?
Not to the beach park facilities. I just read article on Big Island Now about Hilo beaches overrun with cruise ship tourists. The other local beach overrun with locals. Only a Porta-pody. Dog poop everywhere. That’s not tourists. Charge $5 per car entrance fee or buy yearly pass for $30. We do in Oregon and build and maintain bathrooms. People and dogs are going poop somewhere. Hawaii government not eco friendly just talk talk tax tax.
Their plans seems like to make Joe can’t afford to visit
Hawaii, followed by local small businesses loosing customers which in turn lead to layoffs of local workers so they have to rely on State of Hawaii to meet ends. At the end elite billionaires and politicians rule the islands.
We own several weeks on one of the islands and we are there every year for 4 to 5 weeks. We rent a car for the time we are there. It is our home for the time we are there. This will not deter me from going to the islands. we have friends that are there when we are there and we all care very much about the islands and the people who live there year round. Unfortunately , we have also met some people, from the US mainland and Europe who have no idea what basic respect for these islands is. I hope these proposals keep these people away. Aloha
Unsure why you ended your post with Aloha!? Get your shovel out and start farming!
Saying Aloha makes people feel better about their selfish agenda. As long as I get what I want I can ignore all of the excellent points.
Also, good luck with these measures keeping away only the people who are disrespectful. Those people exist everywhere in the world, and all this is going to do is disproportionately affect small businesses on the island that don’t have the deep pockets of corporate business.
I’ve never been anything but respectful everywhere I travel, but I’m fed up with being treated this way. Way too many amazing places in the world to put up with Hawaii’s entitled and mismanaged bs anymore.
PS you’re still a state in the US, would probably be helpful to remember that.
Hawaii has an interesting (very charitable word choice) Government. It wants all of the money from mainland owners, but doesn’t want the mainland owners to be here. It wants mainlanders to solve all of its economic problems, despite its own “organization” and failing to plan for years. It approves all the hi-rise buildings and then, after they fill up, complain of the number of people and depletion of utilities such as water and electricity which it blames on the visitors. Without the mainlanders they don’t survive. With them they constantly complain, despite ignoring their own many failures.
Mainland owners need to organize, Strongly, so they can forcefully respond when the Government turns on its mainland owners.
Plenty of other countries supply economic support to the islands. Your mainland centric attitude is a real downer.
Keith,
You’re sorely mistaken if you think that any other visitors besides those from the US mainland can carry Hawaii’s economy. The data doesn’t support that argument. Just looking at the latest numbers from November 2023, the US mainland accounted for 532K visitors. The rest of of the world accounted for just 187K visitors. No industry anywhere in the world can survive losing almost 75 percent (or even 25 percent) of its customer base.
Minor point, but your numbers add up to 65%. Of course the size of the mainland market and relative ease of travel makes it the lion’s share. What you are missing is what effect the pandemic had on other-country travel. Japan and China are recovering those depressed numbers. Those U.S. citizens complaining on this site will be replaced by other citizens who can tell the difference between Hawaii and, let’s say, Florida.
Yeah, right. Very easy to compare how bad the taxes are in Hawaii versus Florida so no doubt spinning from a liberal perspective and the economic recoveries that have still not taken hold there mean fundamentally nothing.
Exactly!
Couldn’t have said it better myself Paul. Since all of these “native” Hawaiians are ecstatic about no one from the mainland ruining “their” island anymore, the mainland can just pull funding and let them work out their own problems. Not sure why my mainland federal tax dollars should support people who want to tell me when and where I can vacation.
I lived in Hawaii 3 years growing up in the 1960’s. Us Haoles were hated by the locals and most us lived in fear everyday going to school. It seems to me that the “hiden” reverse racism that we experienced then has just come into the open like so many other social mores in society that have gone by the wayside.
As an annual visitor to Hawaii it will impact how we spend. More fast food? Less souvenirs or attractions? Having drinks in my room instead of at restaurants. Could be lots of way to save that can benefit us but not locals or business.
Yep Tom, that’s exactly how we roll for many years. In fact, if we were to revisit in 2024, due to the rising costs of everything, there will be no tipping or shopping, as we will stay in the condo to eat, drink, etc. Our suitcases will be full of things we dont need to buy and no gifts, etc.
I love Hawaii and have been a frequent visitor over many years. However, I don’t care to go somewhere I’m not wanted and expect to enjoy being gouged in the process.
If Hawaii decides to run off friendly, financially generous tourists, what is left other than the military?
This whole thing is stupid and will result in less dollars because people will go elsewhere on vacations. Loss of jobs and businesses.
It’s not the tourist job to fund fire protection! Our County’s don’t have a weed/brush abatement policy. Owners need to take care of there property. Look at weed abatement ordinances in California. To many large land trust or non profits not caring.
We own a vacation rentable condo that over 4 years had the taxes increase from $7,000 to over $22,000 a year. We do not rent our condo, but stay 6 months a year. We buy our cars on the island, insure the car and condo locally, support local businesses, donate to local causes, as well as have a company that takes advantage of tourist activities. We no longer can afford our home. Only an investor would want to pay the property taxes. I am sorry we will no longer be able to afford our home in Paradise that we worked for 45 years to own and now can’t live in it during retirement. We bought a house in Arizona.
If you couldn’t afford your home in Hawaii, why didn’t you rent it out for the 6 months you weren’t here?
my wife and I were able to visit the Islands 4 times per year for 3+ weeks at a time, visiting the 4 major islands (for over 20 years). With all of the present and proposed garbage fees, I will Never visit Hawaii again.
Tony
I think Hawaii should be careful what they wish for. If they keep this up they will get much less tourism. We’ll see how that works for them. My daughter and her husband are coming with us this year or we wouldn’t be going. We own two fixed weeks (timeshare). We will either be selling it or giving it back. I will miss the whales though.
So initially there will be a tax revenue increase, State will come accustomed to it. Revenue will fall as tourism slows, and State will bemoan the loss.
Having a haphazard approach on tourism will not benefit residents and most likely will have negative impact on locals because whenever the govt tries to “fix” a problem it usually creates new ones.
Throwing darts blindfolded isn’t going to solve the issues impacting the State.
I have already given up on ever returning, and not quite sure why I continue to subscribe to BOH. It’s almost like watching a train wreck in slow motion.
With rising costs and fees it makes it harder and harder for this kama’aina to return to visit family and friends. I rent a car, sometimes stay in a hotel or rental and definitely shop. Auwe!
Malia H.
They specifically say “to reduce tourism” while at the same time funding the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Does anyone know what they are trying to do in Hawaii? Pretty soon, it will just be multi-millionaires that own land, fly in and out at will and don’t utilize “tourist” facilities at all. Get ready for mass poverty in the islands. Yeah, the locals will have plenty of room but no jobs. I
Hope each family can farm and fish for subsistence living.
Dave, I agree. this is the most confusing non-thought-out process I have ever read. Many saystay out as they can in deed farm fish on their own. I am not being insensitive as I Know what they are going through, but when many are talking about doing it, I Do Not See many steps in being self sustaining. I see alot of “locals” sitting on the beach and protesting instead of writing up a plan to begin their gardening, farming, etc. The Gov can not even get these people into temporary housing nor does he want to as it will take away from his connection with the elections and all other political issues.
The native Hawaiians are self sustaining people long before European settlers.
Protect the land, protect the oceans, protect the people and all living beings. Mahalo!
10% of Hawaii residents are “Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander”. More than 50% of those are unsheltered. I can provide you with the government HUD and census data if you’d like to see it.
Is this what you mean by “self-sustaining”? And even if you’re right, what is the other 90% of the population that is not “self-sustaining” supposed to do?
I won’t be returning to vacation on either island of Hawaii, we aren’t wanted, much less appreciated, I hope others follow…Mexico Caribbean Coast offers much friendlier prices, and we’re are much more welcomed. Keep your aloha
Sure we will keep our aloha. Aloha
Typical knee-jerk solution.
The Golden Goose is slowly but surely being killed. I sure hope a lot of people can eat from that goose after it’s dead.
The exponential and pathological corruption that is the State of Hawaii government is nothing less than astounding. They are literally engaged in theft of money from tourists under the guise of … what? More nonsense about protecting the islands and environment? Baseless rationale that make a sociopathic liar blush.
I could continue but, why. Until the Hawaiian people vote for a positive change at the County and State levels within government everything will remain the same.
Yes and Gov Greene knows that and why he panders with the locals instead of doing intellectually the proper thing. Its all about politics, everywhere in the World.
If these increased fees and taxes reduce the number of tourists,
then I will be happy when we take a twice a year 2 week vacations
in Kauai because my daily car rental rates will go down and the daily room rates at my favorite condo will be lower.
But most important to us, it won’t be so darned crowded 🙂
In December I paid the lowest car rental rate in 5 years on BI. Good for me. Room rent did not drop. Taxes and fees are high. $250@ night plus $150@ night t&f. Not better here in Oregon coast either. But no anti-tourist problems.
I don’t mind the additional taxes but it would be really nice as stated if you want tourism to fund these funds, why not at least have an exemption to for locals who have no choice when they travel to the outer islands and have to stay at hotels and rent a car. Our interisland rates are already higher for flying time vs to the mainland. Go figure..
Aloha Rob+Jeff Where I stand on these higher added taxes for car rental and lodging is finding another vacation destination. Especially with all the plane diversions and mechanical repairs and the runways cracked and pot-holed. Too many “problems” and anxiety over planning a trip there these days. The Govt has really made Hawaii a undesirable destination now. I am sad. It was my favorite place to visit for the last 45 years. Mahalo for your fine reports over the years.
Deb, I agree. THis has been too much angst for a paradisical vacation. I’m out after all these years of helping the islands survive.
I was born on Oahu. I have always revered Hawaiians and their land, but I will never again spend my hard-earned money to go back to the land I love. We should all stay away.
Pretty sad, as none of this will help the resident of the state of Hawaii. It won’t help reduce the high cost of living or create good jobs. Hoping someday a realization of what the citizens are voting for has consequences. This applies to the country as much as Hawaii. Reap what you sew is not just a theory.
One party rule. Competition is good. Hawaii government is next level corupt.