Bill > HB504

This bill introduces several significant changes aimed at environmental stewardship and tourism taxation in Hawaii. Beginning January 1, 2027, the bill establishes a new tax structure for transient accommodations, including expanding the definition of "transient accommodations" to include commercial passenger vessels and adding a $20 per passenger tax for each port entry. The bill creates a Transient Accommodations Tax Enforcement Working Group to assess and recommend best practices for tax collection, with members representing various stakeholders like the taxation department, counties, hotel industry, and short-term rental organizations. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to transfer all agricultural leases to the Department of Agriculture to support land stewardship and food security. The legislation appropriates funds for environmental conservation projects, including protecting native forests, addressing climate change impacts, promoting sustainable tourism, and ensuring natural resource preservation. The Hawaii Tourism Authority will receive operating budget funds, with a requirement to increase the purchase of local products to 30% by 2030 and 50% by 2050. The bill reflects a comprehensive approach to balancing tourism revenue with environmental protection and local economic development, recognizing the increasing pressures on Hawaii's natural ecosystems from climate change and visitor impacts.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=504&year=2025