Tourism

...Beginning April 1, homeowners won’t be allowed to offer their homes as short-term rentals unless their properties fall within designated “resort zones”—and they can face tens of thousands of dollars in fines for violating that law....

...Visitors to the Hawaiian Islands spent $17.82 billion in 2018, an increase of 6.8 percent compared to 2017....

...In addition to the 66 unprovoked attacks worldwide, there were also 34 provoked attacks. Those include instances where divers are bitten after harassing or trying to touch sharks, as well as attacks on spearfishers or people trying to feed sharks....

...In addition to spawning anti-dairy activism, Omidyar’s Kauai dairy proposal created a political and perhaps legal precedent requiring previously exempt farmers to obtain an environmental impact statement before commencing operations....

...Pelosi was spotted on Thursday vacationing at a four-diamond resort in Hawaii despite an ongoing battle in Washington, D.C., that led to a government shutdown....

...Total visitor arrivals rose to 781,990 (+4.3%) in November compared to a year ago....

...drunks, bums, and feral animals....

...Gov. David Ige approved the new regulation Dec 21, 2018....

...We continue with our series about a timeshare association suing Maui County seeking to invalidate its “Time Share” property classification, with the county then striking back.... 

...According to the Grassroot Institute, high taxes, high government spending and burdensome regulation were major reasons economic freedom in the state continued to decline; they also contributed heavily to the state’s high cost of living....

...We continue with our series about a timeshare association suing the county, with the county then back assessing the association for $10 million.... 

...Timeshare association sues county; county then back assesses association for $10 million.... 

...The average daily census (i.e. number of visitors on any given day) in October was 210,960, up 1.8 percent compared to a year ago....

...$3.56 Million to Support 130 Hawaiian Culture, Natural Resources and Community Programs....

...Keli'i Akina and Joe Kent discuss the latest research by the Grassroot Institute on rail, vacation rentals and the unfunded liabilty of Hawaii's public pension system....

... The Public Works, Infrastructure & Sustainability Committee will publicly discuss its Draft 1 of Resolution 18-221 [1] in the City Council Committee Meeting Room, on the 2nd floor of Honolulu Hale, at 1:00 pm Weds ....

...a long and hotly litigated property tax case from Maui....

...Renting out your room illegally to someone vacationing on the island for 10 days would mean more than $100,000 in fines....

...The violation is petty misdemeanor that upon conviction could have fines and jail time....

...visitor spending and arrivals are up sharply everywhere except the Big Island....

...Short term extension valid for events scheduled between October 22, 2018 and February 28, 2019....

...Amata’s provision streamlines the requirement of foreign carriers who service the routes between Tutuila and Manu'a to reduce unnecessary paperwork....

“The 1.4 percent increase in visitor spending for August was the lowest of any month since May 2016. Additionally, the $1.41 billion in total visitor spending was the lowest of any month so far this year."

...overtourism....

...“when the wind was blowing, the building was moving, if this building collapses during a show, the dolphins, and possibly hundreds of people will be injured or possibly killed.”...

...The island of Hawaii recorded decreases in visitor spending (-7.2% to $201.1 million) and arrivals (-12.7% to 153,906) compared to last year....

...Revises Requirements for 5 Day or Less Program....

... Project involving numerous city agencies, community groups, and local non-profits for erosion mitigation ....

...Hawaii island eruption-related tourism losses could exceed $200 million....

...Application deadline for first triennial calendar set for September 28, 2018.... 

...the following economic impact would be at risk if 60% of O‘ahu’s Alternative Accommodation inventory were eliminated....

...Airports Division is proud to be working in partnership with DFS and global restaurateur HMSHost on more than $69 million worth of improvements....

...At least 22 people on a Lava Ocean Tours vessel were injured this morning after an explosion sent lava through the roof of the boat’s passenger cabin....

...More THC, Vaping, and lots of Weed for Kids, Tourists, and out-of-state students....

...By comparison, hotel properties averaged an 82.9 percent occupancy rate for the same quarter....

...Ige recently nominated the four business and community leaders to serve on HTA’s board, with their appointments confirmed by the Hawaii State Senate....

...The island of Hawai‘i realized growth in visitor spending despite a drop in visitor arrivals (-1.6%) in May year-over-year....

...The list can be used by the public, property owners, realtors and the County for a quick determination about whether short-term occupancy – defined by the county as fewer than 180 days – is allowed without a permit....

...The survey generally excludes properties with under 20 lodging units, such as small bed and breakfasts, youth hostels, single-family vacation rentals, cottages, individually rented vacation condominiums....

...HTA CEO George Szegeti said “In CY2017 the convention center turned a net operating profit of $1.1 million, marking its second consecutive year of profitability.” This is surprising news, indeed....

...Total visitor arrivals rose 6.6 percent to 803,005 visitors in April....

...All Counties and All Classes of Hawai‘i Hotel Properties Reported Solid RevPAR and ADR Increases in April....

"...Hawaii is Open for Business: There is absolutely no reason for visitors planning a trip to the Hawaiian Islands to change or alter their leisure or business travel plans...."

...SB 2699 proposes to make “resort fees” subject to our Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT)....

...In comparison, occupancy of hotel properties statewide averaged 80.0 percent in 2017....

... Southwest Airlines Intends To Serve Hawaii Nonstop From California Airports In Oakland, San Diego, San Jose, & Sacramento -- and Interisland ....

...Even though most respondents still think tourism brings more benefits than costs to our state, the percent of those who think otherwise has been rising for some time....

...Request for Proposals for Ala Wai Golf Course Driving Range Awarded to Topgolf Hawai‘i....

...HB 2432, one of the bills actively being considered this session, proposes to hike the “transient occupancy tax,” or TOT, by an as-yet-unspecified amount....

...This solution has passed the House before, but not yet in the Senate; however, this time the provision is included in a major bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration....