Earlier this year, the State of Hawaii stopped distributing shares of the transient accommodations tax to the counties as a way to plug its budgetary hole. That, however, left the counties with a large hole of their own. So, to plug that hole, Honolulu considers raising hotel tax by 3%. … [Read more...] about Honolulu Considers Raising Hotel Tax by 3%
Hawaii
NOAA Bans Swimming with Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins
In recent years, it has become popular to swim with the endemic Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins out in the wild. However, this isn't going to be possible in the near future, as NOAA bans swimming with Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins. … [Read more...] about NOAA Bans Swimming with Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins
Hawaii Extends Emergency Orders for 2 Months
Hawaii is in a much better place than we were a few weeks ago. However, we're still doing pretty bad compared to before the Delta variant. As a result, Hawaii extends emergency orders for 2 months. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Extends Emergency Orders for 2 Months
My Hawaii Safe Travels Experience
Recently, I came back from my first trip off-island in over two years. And while you can expect a trip report soon, I want to talk about my Hawaii Safe Travels experience. After all, the program continues to be a bit, uh, ambiguous. … [Read more...] about My Hawaii Safe Travels Experience
Honolulu Extends Ban on Large Gatherings
Back in August, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi implemented a ban on large gatherings to help stem the spread of COVID-19. With the County now headed in the right direction, Honolulu extends the ban on large gatherings a little more. … [Read more...] about Honolulu Extends Ban on Large Gatherings
Hawaiian Air Flight Attendant Hit in Unprovoked Attack
Issues with unruly passengers are a major issue right now in the US. Since January 1st of this year, there have been over 4,200 such events reported. And while most involve COVID-era compliance issues, not all do. That's the case with a Hawaiian Air flight attendant hit in an unprovoked attack yesterday. … [Read more...] about Hawaiian Air Flight Attendant Hit in Unprovoked Attack
Kauai County is the First to Boost Hotel Tax
Earlier this year, the State of Hawaii made the controversial move to cut all of the countys' allocation of transient accommodations tax they collect. Instead, they're allowing counties to levy their own tax. Well, that time has come, and Kauai County is the first to boost hotel tax with its own surcharge. … [Read more...] about Kauai County is the First to Boost Hotel Tax
Maui Sugar Museum Plans Expansion
Back in December 2016, the Pu'unene Sugar Mill in Central Maui shut down after 145 years processed its last crop of sugar cane. However, the mill's legacy lives on at the Pu'unene Sugar Museum. And, now, we get news that the Maui Sugar Museum plans an expansion with new exhibits on the way. … [Read more...] about Maui Sugar Museum Plans Expansion
Maui Safer Outside Begins Today
The other week, I reported on new safety measures coming to the Valley Isle called Maui Health Pass. Well, county officials decided to change the program's name. The now Maui Safer Outside begins today, bringing with it a bevy of new restrictions. … [Read more...] about Maui Safer Outside Begins Today
Honolulu City Council Votes to Remove Haiku Stairs
An extremely controversial hike on Oahu's windward side looks like it may have met its end as the Honolulu City Council votes to remove the Haiku Stairs. The famous but illegal hike is still frequented on a daily basis by residents and tourists alike. … [Read more...] about Honolulu City Council Votes to Remove Haiku Stairs