304 thoughts on “New Hawaii Tourist Fees: Creative Hikes Set to Curb Tourism”
Kenny
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
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.
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.
Eva B
Exactly!
Ben
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.