Latest news with #Star-Advertiser
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Waikiki tourists voice support for extra fee for ‘a good cause'
An upcoming increase in the state hotel room tax of less than 1 %—or $3 more per night for a $400 room—won't deter any of nearly two dozen Waikiki tourists from coming back, especially if it provides money to restore beaches, fight erosion and prevent future wildfires, they unanimously told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Wednesday. 'It wouldn't discourage me, ' Sam Powell, 33, of Roanoke, Va., said on Kalakaua Avenue in the middle of his first trip to Oahu with his wife, sister, brother-in-law and nephews. 'It's just another $3 a night.' Visitors up and down Kalakaua and Kapahulu avenues unanimously supported the increase in the state's Transient Accommodations Tax that begins Jan. 1 and was signed into law by Gov. Josh Green on Tuesday as Act 96. The increase applies to everyone who stays in a Hawaii hotel, cruise ship or other paid lodging—including local residents. Green previously told the Star-Advertiser that residents who receive kamaaina discounts would pay less out of pocket compared to tourists who typically book more expensive room rates. Under Act 96, Hawaii's TAT—more commonly referred to as the hotel room tax—will increase Jan. 1 by 0.75 %—to 11 % up from 10.25 %. Before signing Senate Bill 1396 into law Tuesday, Green used a hypothetical $400 a night hotel room rate to say that the higher TAT would add $3 on the current TAT, or $30 for every $4, 000 spent on lodging across the islands. The Star-Advertiser on Wednesday incorrectly reported a higher TAT on a $400 a night room. Green called it the first effort of its kind in the nation to mitigate climate change and the risk of future wildfires that could serve as a road map for other parts of the country that face wildfires and climate change. Boyfriend and girlfriend Adam Vasquez, 23, and Kaylee Bertolino, 22, came from Long Island, N.Y., for their first trip to Waikiki. Bertolino said the upcoming TAT increase will go 'to a good cause ' and would not deter them from a future trip to Hawaii. Vasquez called Green's example of a $3 per night increase on a $400 per night hotel room 'not too bad.' Most of the visitors who spoke to the Star-Advertiser had no idea how much they were paying in hotel costs, so they could not calculate how the upcoming TAT increase would have affected their current bills. But the TAT represents just one of the many fees that visitors and residents already pay for lodging, including the state's general excise tax, parking and 'resort ' fees that include internet and fitness center access. Green's $400 a night example runs on the high side of nightly hotel rates on Oahu, which are generally less expensive than neighbor island hotels, said Jerry Gibson, president of the Hawai 'i Hotel Alliance. Waikiki room rates are currently running from $250 to $450 a night, Gibson said. 'Normally, in summer, they go up, ' he said. 'But so far its a weak-looking summer, so I think those will be the rates.' Every booking also includes a state general excise tax that's slightly higher on Oahu compared to the neighbor islands. Neighbor islands' lodgings have to assess a GET of.04167 %. Honolulu's GET also includes half a penny for the city's rail project, meaning Oahu lodgings assess a GET of.04667 %. Each county also has its own TAT of an additional 3 %, meaning the combined state and county TATs and GET starting Jan. 1 will add up to 18.167 % on the neighbor islands and 18.667 % on Oahu, Gibson said. In addition, Hawaii hotels also typically charge a parking fee that ranges from $20 to $60 a night, Gibson said. Separate resort fees also vary from $20 to $50 a day and include about 10 to 15 different privileges such as access to body boards and surf boards and hula lessons, Gibson said. Mufi Hannemann, president and CEO of the Hawai 'i Lodging &Tourism Association, told the Star-Advertiser in a statement that the organization supports the increase in the TAT 'because it has a clearly defined and purposeful intent that we can all agree on—to protect Hawai 'i's environmental resources, which are vital to our state's resilience, sustainability, cultural heritage, and preparedness for climate change and natural disasters. Just as importantly, there is a strong and direct nexus to the visitor industry—ensuring that this additional tax revenue will help preserve the natural and cultural assets that make Hawai 'i a world-class destination and support the infrastructure of our state's number one economic driver.' Hannemann said the new law 'reflects transparency and thoughtful balance, and we appreciate that the input of the Hawai 'i Lodging &Tourism Association and the broader visitor industry was seriously considered by both the Legislature and the Administration.' He agreed with Gibson that 'the actual cost to guests is often significantly higher once taxes and fees are applied.' Sarah Thomas, 30, and her girlfriend, Selina Ramirez, 41, of San Jose, Calif., have been paying $280 a night to stay at the Park Shore Waikiki on Kapa hulu Avenue for their first trip to Oahu. So if they return to the Park Shore after the TAT increases on Jan. 1, their nightly additional TAT cost would fall well below Green's $3 a night example. But they don't mind paying more to help address climate change in Hawaii. 'We're from California, so we understand the need to protect the infrastructure, ' Thomas said. Following this year's devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, Ramirez appreciates Hawaii's efforts to mitigate future wildfires following the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui inferno that killed 102 people, devastated Lahaina and caused $13 billion in damage. So Ramirez called herself '100 %' behind the plan to collect an additional $90 to $100 million annually to restore beaches and prevent further erosion and wildfire risks. And the couple 'would not hesitate ' to come back to face the higher TAT in the future, she said. They have already fallen in love with Oahu's beauty and the aloha spirit they feel. 'We've had a gracious welcoming, ' Ramirez said. Natalie Miller, 27, of Chicago, flew into Oahu from Kona on Wednesday morning with her husband and won't mind paying a little extra if and when they take another Hawaii vacation. 'I don't think I would even notice, ' Miller said. Her husband, Mitch Miller, 28, said 'another $3 won't stop me from traveling.' On the makai side of Kala kaua Avenue, Huma Mohammad, 36, of Redwood City, Calif., agreed that a higher TAT won't discourage her and her family from a second trip to the islands. 'I don't think so, if it helps the beaches, ' she said. 'That's what you come for.' She and her husband, Shawn Mohammad, 35, brought along their 2-1 /2-year-old son, Keyian. Shawn Mohammad said they've enjoyed learning about Hawaiian culture, along with the scenery. 'That's why trips like this are good, ' he said. Outside the Park Shore Waikiki—where she's staying with her husband and four others—Arlene Carwile, 50, of Hicksville, Ohio, said she would gladly make her second trip to Hawaii even if it means paying a higher TAT to protect Hawaii's environment. 'I would definitely come back, ' Carwile said. Everyone in the group agreed, especially Carwile's friend, Cynthia Smith, 77, of Ossian, Ind. Smith has fallen so hard for Oahu that she joked that she won't have to return because she has no intention of leaving. 'They're going to have to drag me away, ' she said.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Waikiki visitors undeterred by fee increase
An upcoming increase in the state hotel room tax of less than 1 %—or $3 more per night for a $400 room—won't deter any of nearly two dozen Waikiki tourists from coming back, especially if it provides money to restore beaches, fight erosion and prevent future wildfires, they unanimously told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Wednesday. 'It wouldn't discourage me, ' Sam Powell, 33, of Roanoke, Va., said on Kalakaua Avenue in the middle of his first trip to Oahu with his wife, sister, brother-in-law and nephews. 'It's just another $3 a night.' Visitors up and down Kalakaua and Kapahulu avenues unanimously supported the increase in the state's Transient Accommodations Tax that begins Jan. 1 and was signed into law by Gov. Josh Green on Tuesday as Act 96. The increase applies to everyone who stays in a Hawaii hotel, cruise ship or other paid lodging—including local residents. Green previously told the Star-Advertiser that residents who receive kamaaina discounts would pay less out of pocket compared to tourists who typically book more expensive room rates. Under Act 96, Hawaii's TAT—more commonly referred to as the hotel room tax—will increase Jan. 1 by 0.75 %—to 11 % up from 10.25 %. Before signing Senate Bill 1396 into law Tuesday, Green used a hypothetical $400 a night hotel room rate to say that the higher TAT would add $3 on the current TAT, or $30 for every $4, 000 spent on lodging across the islands. The Star-Advertiser on Wednesday incorrectly reported a higher TAT on a $400 a night room. Green called it the first effort of its kind in the nation to mitigate climate change and the risk of future wildfires that could serve as a road map for other parts of the country that face wildfires and climate change. Boyfriend and girlfriend Adam Vasquez, 23, and Kaylee Bertolino, 22, came from Long Island, N.Y., for their first trip to Waikiki. Bertolino said the upcoming TAT increase will go 'to a good cause ' and would not deter them from a future trip to Hawaii. Vasquez called Green's example of a $3 per night increase on a $400 per night hotel room 'not too bad.' Most of the visitors who spoke to the Star-Advertiser had no idea how much they were paying in hotel costs, so they could not calculate how the upcoming TAT increase would have affected their current bills. But the TAT represents just one of the many fees that visitors and residents already pay for lodging, including the state's general excise tax, parking and 'resort ' fees that include internet and fitness center access. Green's $400 a night example runs on the high side of nightly hotel rates on Oahu, which are generally less expensive than neighbor island hotels, said Jerry Gibson, president of the Hawai 'i Hotel Alliance. Waikiki room rates are currently running from $250 to $450 a night, Gibson said. 'Normally, in summer, they go up, ' he said. 'But so far its a weak-looking summer, so I think those will be the rates.' Every booking also includes a state general excise tax that's slightly higher on Oahu compared to the neighbor islands. Neighbor islands' lodgings have to assess a GET of.04167 %. Honolulu's GET also includes half a penny for the city's rail project, meaning Oahu lodgings assess a GET of.04667 %. Each county also has its own TAT of an additional 3 %, meaning the combined state and county TATs and GET starting Jan. 1 will add up to 18.167 % on the neighbor islands and 18.667 % on Oahu, Gibson said. In addition, Hawaii hotels also typically charge a parking fee that ranges from $20 to $60 a night, Gibson said. Separate resort fees also vary from $20 to $50 a day and include about 10 to 15 different privileges such as access to body boards and surf boards and hula lessons, Gibson said. Mufi Hannemann, president and CEO of the Hawai 'i Lodging &Tourism Association, told the Star-Advertiser in a statement that the organization supports the increase in the TAT 'because it has a clearly defined and purposeful intent that we can all agree on—to protect Hawai 'i's environmental resources, which are vital to our state's resilience, sustainability, cultural heritage, and preparedness for climate change and natural disasters. Just as importantly, there is a strong and direct nexus to the visitor industry—ensuring that this additional tax revenue will help preserve the natural and cultural assets that make Hawai 'i a world-class destination and support the infrastructure of our state's number one economic driver.' Hannemann said the new law 'reflects transparency and thoughtful balance, and we appreciate that the input of the Hawai 'i Lodging &Tourism Association and the broader visitor industry was seriously considered by both the Legislature and the Administration.' He agreed with Gibson that 'the actual cost to guests is often significantly higher once taxes and fees are applied.' Sarah Thomas, 30, and her girlfriend, Selina Ramirez, 41, of San Jose, Calif., have been paying $280 a night to stay at the Park Shore Waikiki on Kapa hulu Avenue for their first trip to Oahu. So if they return to the Park Shore after the TAT increases on Jan. 1, their nightly additional TAT cost would fall well below Green's $3 a night example. But they don't mind paying more to help address climate change in Hawaii. 'We're from California, so we understand the need to protect the infrastructure, ' Thomas said. Following this year's devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, Ramirez appreciates Hawaii's efforts to mitigate future wildfires following the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui inferno that killed 102 people, devastated Lahaina and caused $13 billion in damage. So Ramirez called herself '100 %' behind the plan to collect an additional $90 to $100 million annually to restore beaches and prevent further erosion and wildfire risks. And the couple 'would not hesitate ' to come back to face the higher TAT in the future, she said. They have already fallen in love with Oahu's beauty and the aloha spirit they feel. 'We've had a gracious welcoming, ' Ramirez said. Natalie Miller, 27, of Chicago, flew into Oahu from Kona on Wednesday morning with her husband and won't mind paying a little extra if and when they take another Hawaii vacation. 'I don't think I would even notice, ' Miller said. Her husband, Mitch Miller, 28, said 'another $3 won't stop me from traveling.' On the makai side of Kala kaua Avenue, Huma Mohammad, 36, of Redwood City, Calif., agreed that a higher TAT won't discourage her and her family from a second trip to the islands. 'I don't think so, if it helps the beaches, ' she said. 'That's what you come for.' She and her husband, Shawn Mohammad, 35, brought along their 2-1 /2-year-old son, Keyian. Shawn Mohammad said they've enjoyed learning about Hawaiian culture, along with the scenery. 'That's why trips like this are good, ' he said. Outside the Park Shore Waikiki—where she's staying with her husband and four others—Arlene Carwile, 50, of Hicksville, Ohio, said she would gladly make her second trip to Hawaii even if it means paying a higher TAT to protect Hawaii's environment. 'I would definitely come back, ' Carwile said. Everyone in the group agreed, especially Carwile's friend, Cynthia Smith, 77, of Ossian, Ind. Smith has fallen so hard for Oahu that she joked that she won't have to return because she has no intention of leaving. 'They're going to have to drag me away, ' she said.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
Bomb threat delays Hawaiian Airlines flight to Honolulu
A Hawaiian Airlines flight from San Diego bound for Honolulu this morning was stopped shortly before takeoff after a passenger allegedly threatened to bomb the aircraft. 'There was a security incident this morning involving Hawaiian Airlines Flight 15 from San Diego to Honolulu. During pushback from the gate, a guest was overheard making a threat to the safety of our aircraft, ' read a statement to the Star-Advertiser from the air carrier. 'As a precaution, the captain immediately taxied the Airbus A330 to a safe location on the airfield, where it was met with local and federal law enforcement and guests were safely deplaned.' The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the incident that occurred as the flight was preparing for an 8 :28 a.m. departure. 'Agents responded to the San Diego airport after receiving reports of a threat. We determined there is no current threat to public safety, however, this is an ongoing matter, and we have no further details to provide, ' read a statement to the Star-Advertiser from the FBI's San Diego Field Office. 'We continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and report all suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.' There were 283 passengers and 10 crew members on board at the time of the incident. 'We appreciate their understanding during this situation and apologize for any concern this may have caused. We are working to get all guests to Honolulu as quickly as possible. We are grateful for the professionalism and care of our flight attendants and pilots throughout this event, ' read the statement. NBC News 7 San Diego reported that at about 11 a.m., 'dozens of emergency vehicles on the tarmac near the plane, ' including patrol cars and unmarked black SUVs. 'The A330 was cleared by law enforcement and guests were re-boarded. HA15 departed San Diego for Honolulu at approximately 2 :15 p.m. local time—roughly five hours after the scheduled departure time, ' read a statement from Hawaiian Airlines. See more : 20 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? .
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Bomb threat halts Honolulu-bound flight from San Diego
A Hawaiian Airlines flight from San Diego bound for Honolulu this morning was stopped shortly before takeoff after a passenger allegedly threatened to bomb the aircraft. 'There was a security incident this morning involving Hawaiian Airlines Flight 15 from San Diego to Honolulu. During pushback from the gate, a guest was overheard making a threat to the safety of our aircraft, ' read a statement to the Star-Advertiser from the air carrier. 'As a precaution, the captain immediately taxied the Airbus A330 to a safe location on the airfield, where it was met with local and federal law enforcement and guests were safely deplaned.' The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the incident that occurred as the flight was preparing for an 8 :28 a.m. departure. There were 283 passengers and 10 crew members on board at the time of the incident. 'We appreciate their understanding during this situation and apologize for any concern this may have caused. We are working to get all guests to Honolulu as quickly as possible. We are grateful for the professionalism and care of our flight attendants and pilots throughout this event, ' read the statement. NBC News 7 San Diego reported that at about 11 a.m., 'dozens of emergency vehicles on the tarmac near the plane, ' including patrol cars and unmarked black SUVs. See more : 5 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? .
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
Babysitter Who Gave 7-Month-Old Baby Lethal Dose of Benadryl Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison: Reports
A babysitter in Hawaii has been sentenced to 20 years behind bars following the death of a 7-month-old baby girl, who was given a lethal dose of Benadryl, according to local media reports Dixie Villa received the maximum sentencing for manslaughter on Wednesday, May 7 The sentencing came after Abigail Lobisch was found dead at Villa's home on Feb. 24, 2019; an autopsy showed she died of diphenhydramine (an antihistamine found in Benadryl) toxicityA babysitter in Hawaii has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after being found guilty of manslaughter following the 2019 death of a 7-month-old baby girl, according to reports. On Wednesday, May 7, Dixie Villa received the maximum sentence for manslaughter, per local outlets the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, KHON2 and Hawaii News Now. Villa was charged with manslaughter in July 2019 after an autopsy report showed that 7-month-old Abigail Lobisch — who was found dead at Villa's home on Feb. 24, 2019 — died of diphenhydramine (an antihistamine found in Benadryl) toxicity, PEOPLE previously reported. The infant's mother Anna Lobisch broke down in tears while addressing the Oahu Circuit courtroom on Wednesday, per KHON2. 'My life has been defined by grief, loss and the pain of living without Abby is a heavy weight I will carry every single day for the rest of my life,' Anna said, according to the outlet. 'My heart has never stopped hurting,' she added, via Hawaii News Now. Deputy prosecuting attorney Tiffany Kaeo told the court of Villa's sentencing, 'This drug should never be given to any child under the age of 6 without doctor's orders,' per the outlet. While on trial, defense lawyer Megan Kau argued that others, including Anna or Abigail's father, could have given diphenhydramine to the infant. She also said Anna could have had the drug in her system from taking Tylenol and passed it on to her daughter while breastfeeding, the Star-Advertiser stated in November while reporting on the guilty verdict. But Kaeo said Villa was the only person capable of administering the drug and that she was overwhelmed at having to look after three other children at the same time — Abigail's 2-year-old brother and two of her own children, who were also under the age of 5 — and had pacified the older kids with iPads and Abigail with the drug, the Star-Advertiser previously noted. Villa had been free on bail since 2019, but was taken into custody following her guilty verdict in November after her bail was raised to $500,000, the outlet reported at the time. On Wednesday, Kaeo urged the judge to impose the full sentence, saying, 'The defendant could have easily called Anna that night to take back her children, and she didn't. She made a choice, and now she should have to deal with the consequences of her choice,' KHON2 reported. Villa's attorney, Kau, asked for 10 years probation so that her client could continue caring for her two young children, the outlet stated. 'Ms. Villa has remained arrest and conviction free, she's been a contributing member of our community and she was the mother of a special needs child and another child that she cared for on a full-time basis,' Kau said, according to KHON2. 'Six years is a long time to wait for justice and while justice has been delayed, we hope this is not justice denied,' Kaeo said, per the outlet, which stated that prosecutors noted they're expecting an appeal. Circuit Court Judge Faaunga Toʻotoʻo said, 'This was a difficult trial. The facts and the law here is clear. This should not have happened," according to Hawaii News Now. Toʻotoʻo continued, 'These are the factors that the court has to consider, as well as what is appropriate, and the only sentence that stands out for this case is that the defendant must be sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment,' per the outlet. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Regarding the sentencing, Anna said, 'I'm so relieved that it's over. I'm happy with what happened in there,' KHON2 reported. The Hawaii State Judiciary and Villa's attorney during the trial didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. Read the original article on People
