TAT Up 1% Point Tomorrow

Aloha Kakou:

Hawaii's Transient Accommodations Tax is slated to increase by one percentage point on July 1. Combined with last year's one percentage point increase, the TAT has increased by 30% since the first half of 2009.

Said Richard Kelley, head of Outrigger Hotels and Resorts, "Politicians think they can get away with it because visitors don't vote. But they do. Not at the ballot box, but with their pocketbooks."


While Maui's combined TAT and General Excise Tax percentages are lower than many other destinations, the higher room rates can mean more dollars out of pocket to pay the tax.

Hawaii's legislature mandated the tax increase to help close state budget gaps. This year, Maui County expects to receive about $23 million out of the total statewide TAT take of $100 million.

http://mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/532948.html?nav=10

Hawaii-Korea Connection

Aloha Kakou:

If all goes according to plan, Hawaiian Airlines will start four-times-per-week service between Honolulu and Seoul, South Korea in January, 2011, the airline announced today.

http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/97514879.html

Recovery Starting: Local Economist

Aloha Kakou:

Paul Brewbaker, the chairman of the State Council of Revenue, said in an address Friday that actual economic growth should begin with the start of Hawaii's fiscal year, July 1.

"You know when you stopped seeing people at Macy's and would (instead) see them at Ross? Well, they're back at Macy's," Brewbaker said.

With financial forecasts calling for a 3% increase in economic growth through 2011, more air seats to Maui to replace those lost by ATA and Aloha Airlines, and a slight increase in General Excise Tax collections, the economy could be headed for a gradual turnaround.

http://mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/532826.html?nav=10

Condo-style Cleaning Catching On

Aloha Kakou:

More hotels are offering guests options when it comes to daily housekeeping service.

While initially implemented to assist hotels with the labor costs associated with housekeeping, limited service does have it's supporters. And hotels are finding limited housekeeping service is a great way to reduce electricity and water consumption.

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/hotels/2010-06-23-1Ahotelcleaning23_ST_N.htm#uslPageReturn

TAT Increase July 1

Aloha Kakou:

July 1st marks the second of two increases to the Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT). The new TAT will be 9.25% and, when combined with Hawaii's General Excise Tax, means a tax rate of 13.75% on hotel rooms. The average US hotel tax rate is 13.73% but, when combined with Hawaii's higher room rates, the actual amount paid by Hawaii guests will be more than average.

http://www.staradvertiser.com/business/20100625_Paying_the_price.html

Going Green

Aloha Kakou:

The lawn that was removed yesterday from near the driveway has been transplanted in two places. The dirt area used for golf cart parking near the cabana is now covered with lawn and the weedy area near the E building and the turtle pool is now grassy. These projects take the term "going green" to heart!

Landscape Progress

Aloha Kakou:

The landscape crew began removing the lawn near the driveway today in the first phase of the landscape renewal project. The landscaper is due to begin restoration work next Monday.