[Originally penned in February, 2024 in response to Anti-STR & Tourist Legislation]
It’s that time of year again. No, I am not talking about whale season. I’m referring to the 2024 Hawaii State Legislative Session underway.
A dozen or more Bills introduced (in both the Senate & House) target tourists and their pocketbooks. All seek to secure additional taxes from tourists by various means: A $.25 a Per Ride-Share Tax; A $25 Per Head Tax; Various Beach Fees; Another Increase to the Transient Accommodation Tax (TAT) and more! At the same time, seemingly conversely, other bills seek to limit the number of visitors coming to the islands going so far as to call for an outright ban of short-term rentals! Sadly, such legislation in its totality only fosters a mentality of “us against them.”
Tourists already pay TAT on accommodations, road impact fees on car rentals, park fees where applicable, and GET on everything they purchase during their stay. Yet every legislative session sees the introduction of even more anti-tourist bills whether to raise money for the latest island crisis or systemic issues. This year, major proponents of new legislation cite the negative environmental impact of tourism on the islands. The reality is that everyone–visitors and locals alike–leave behind more than footprints. However, the latter seldom is a subject of discussion at the legislature. Instead, tourists, part-time residents and investors are seen as easy targets because they cannot vote. In its simplest form, it is taxation without representation. However, I think it is something more–and it’s not pretty.
I have never known a State, city or town that despised visitors more–and my primary residence is in Las Vegas! Talk about biting the hand that feeds you? Adding fuel to the fire of resentment came COVID. While the ensuing travel ban definitely wreaked economic havoc on the economy (and was not sustainable), for a spell islanders were able to actually see and feel what island life had become with throngs of non-residents in their mists now that they were not. And for many locals, they loved it. Today, Tourism is at the center of such hotly debated subjects as housing shortages, a lack of good paying jobs and, as mentioned, damage to the environment.
Like it or not, every aspect of island life is tied either directly or indirectly to tourism. It is a major industry of the State of Hawaii, and dare I say, the engine powering it. It’s high time we take our shades off and really evaluate the situation. Tourism in and of itself is not the problem. What has become a perception of two diametrically opposed interests is.
[Visitors can help to improve the anti-visitor sentiment by always showing ALOHA and being mindful that what they do while in Hawaii does reflect upon on the tourist trade as a whole. Actionable steps include things as simple as wearing reef-friendly sunscreen, recycling, and volunteering for beach cleanups. More on this in another post.]
In short, it’s time we all show a little aloha and build bridges to create a win-win scenario. It’s called balance. And, it starts at the legislative level. The tantrums displayed this session have been appalling. I, for one, am glad visitors are too focused on the natural beauty of the islands to see what is really taking place at their expense. After all, they love these islands too.
Aunty Tammy
From the Lanai of The Dolphin Hale - Kauai Insights 