Hawaii
Hawaii's Unusual Tourist Tax Will Help Minimize Climate Crises – Travel Noire
Hawaii officials are moving forward with a tourist tax set to combat over-tourism and preserve its fragile environment. In addition to last year’s 9.5 million visitors, the state is still reeling from the catastrophic flames that destroyed Lahaina, Maui, killing 100 and causing $6 billion in damage. The tax aims to generate revenue to protect the state’s natural resources and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Here’s everything you need to know about this significant development.
What’s the Bill?
Hearings on Governor Josh Green’s plan to impose a $25 climate impact fee on visitors to the Aloha State took place over the last two weeks in two separate Hawaii House committees. While the proposal faced opposition from some legislators concerned that it may violate US constitutional protections for free travel, the bill received overwhelming approval from the two House committees.
The modest fee is expected to raise over $68 million annually. The primary goal of this proposed fee is to provide the necessary resources to protect Hawaii’s environment and increase awareness of the impacts of climate change. The state aims to address the strain on its natural resources caused by the influx of tourists and the devastating wildfires that resulted in loss of life and property damage.
According to Governor Green, the charge is a small price in exchange for protecting paradise, and tourists must do their part to protect Hawaii’s natural riches. The revenue generated from the fee will aid in establishing a state fire marshal and bolster disaster prevention initiatives.
Alternatives and Similar Programs
In addition to the tourist tax, Hawaii is considering alternatives, such as increasing the state hotel tax, which is among the highest in the country. State lawmakers are also advocating year-long permits or passes to major parks and trails, a first-of-its-kind initiative for any US state. Hawaii’s new tourist tax follows in the footsteps of other tourist hot spots, including Venice, Italy, and Iceland, which have imposed fees on visitors to support climate and sustainability goals.
Hawaii
With jolly festivities in full swing, how are you celebrating the holidays? Share your photos!
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – With family and friends celebrating the holidays, Hawaii News Now wants to see how you are making the most of the jolly festivities.
From house decorations and shining lights to unwrapping presents and spending time with loved ones, share your photos by submitting them below!
Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
WAIMEA (HawaiiNewsNow) – Federal investigators are looking into what caused a plane to crash on Hawaii Island Monday.
The National Transportation Safety Board confirms it is looking into what caused a Cessna to go down at Parker Ranch in Waimea shortly before noon.
Investigators said preliminary information indicated the plane experienced a loss of engine power.
A witness said two people walked away from the aircraft on their own. No one was hurt.
Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring … and the only sports on TV was the Hawaii Bowl on ESPN.
The Christmas Eve game pitting South Florida (6-6) against San Jose State (7-5) didn’t bring the same energy as a major bowl, but when you’re the only live major sporting event on U.S. TV, fans will take notice.
On social media, the matchup generated surprising buzz for a minor bowl game.
People treating the Hawaii bowl tonight like it’s the Super Bowl
— Zlatni Topki (@ZlatniTopki) December 24, 2024
Out in Honolulu, ESPN had play-by-play announcer Tiffany Greene and color analyst Jay Walker on the game, and the pair, who have worked together for years, made the most of their moment in the spotlight.
Greene, who was the first African-American woman to serve as a play-by-play commentator for college football on a major network, had the opportunity to call some big plays, including this kickoff return touchdown by South Florida’s Ta’Ron Keith.
Tiffany Green was VERY amped up about this kick return touchdown and later replay of the big play from USF returner Ta’Ron Keith. pic.twitter.com/FkHDlaYBPK
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 25, 2024
And here’s Greene on a big interception early in the game.
USF forces an interception that would later result in points and a 14-0 lead over San Jose State.
Tiffany Greene and Jay Walker on the call of the Hawai’i Bowl on ESPN. pic.twitter.com/eMyo4aHsXn
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 25, 2024
Unfortunately, everything did not go smoothly for Greene and Walker. Of particular concern, Walker’s audio sounded consistently muddy, as if he were doing the broadcast remotely.
Are they actually there? Her co host literally sounds like he’s on a zoom call
— HuskerJim (@jimtheplumber63) December 25, 2024
Others on social media were even less charitable in their comments on the announcers.
This is a horrible announcing crew. This is not a high profile game, but as the only one on Cmas Eve, likely with a decent audience of folks looking for distractions, why this crew & not a better one? Why not put these guys on one of the midday workday games with less eyes/ears?
— Justin Firesheets (@JFiresheets) December 25, 2024
Yet some fans were left wanting to hear more of Greene and Walker in the future.
Tiffany is awesome! She has the spunk of Gus & a little of Beth Mowins when she announces CFB👍
— Herbie Garcia (@herbieg55) December 25, 2024
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