From www.NRCC.org

In her own words, Colleen Hanabusa said in one of her recent advertisements that she is the kind of politician that, “What you see is what you’ll get.” Since she asked for it, let’s take a look at her record… 

Hanabusa’s Record that Strangles Hawaii Businesses:  

In 2009, Hanabusa voted to increase the rate of the transient accommodations tax (TAT), a tax on gross rental income incurred from renting living accommodations for less than 180 consecutive days and is imposed on the operator or owner of the rental or business. (“Transient Accommodations Tax,” Tax Facts No. 96-2, Hawaii Department of Taxation website, http://www.state.hi.us/tax/taxfacts/tf96-02.htm, June 1996) 

Higher taxes for Hawaii businesses and tourists:

In a May 9, 2009, article, The Honolulu Advertiser reported, “The transient accommodations tax will go up by 1 percentage point in July – from 7.25 percent to 8.25 percent – and another 1 percentage point in July 2010 – from 8.25 percent to 9.25 percent. The tax increase would apply to operators of hotel rooms, apartments, condominiums, beach houses and other places rented to visitors or local guests. The increase would likely be passed on to consumers…” (Peter Boylan and Suzanne Roig, “Hawaii taxes to go up July 1 as lawmakers override governor,” The Honolulu Advertiser, May 9, 2009) 

What Colleen Hanabusa’s record has done to Hawaii:

“Not only did Colleen Hanabusa’s tax hike hurt Hawaii’s business owners by increasing their costs, but now Hawaii accommodations are less attractive to potential consumers who will face higher rates. The more we learn about Hanabusa’s record, the more we see how hurtful her policies would be for Hawaii’s middle class families, small businesses and the tourism industry.”- Joanna Burgos, NRCC Spokeswoman

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