Hawaii legislators did not reach an agreement by the end this year’s legislative sessions on the proposed tourism tax. There was no agreement on the fee that would be charged to tourists who visit the state.
The fee was designed to fund state environmental and infrastructure projects, and reduce the impact of tourism in the Hawaiian Islands. The failure of the bill to pass means that Hawaii will continue its tourism industry without adding additional financial burdens to visitors.
Hawaii legislators were working on a permit or license for visitors to state parks and trails.
While the Senate proposed $50 as a fee, the House of Representatives did not include the dollar amount. Lawmakers also proposed hiring staff for the implementation of the plan at a cost of $360,000, but there was no agreement.
A study by the Hawaii Tourism Authority found that the island’s residents, as well as the members of the House of Representatives and Senate , supported the idea of an island-wide tourism tax.
Chris Lee, a state senator, said: “I do not think that the bill failed because of its merits or the idea that visitors should be paying for these things.” “I believe it was more a question of when and how.”
Governor Josh Green, despite his frustration over the defeat of the bill in the state Congress stated that officials should take advantage to have a “more comprehensive discussion” on tourism management.
Governor Green said that legislators expect the bill will be discussed again next year, and receive sufficient support to pass. He said that the tourism fee will lower prices and reduce the negative effects of tourism.
Hawaii is home to about 1.5 million people who live there year-round. However, the islands receive over 10,000,000 tourists each year, which puts a strain on local economies and the environment.
