Relating To Section 237d-6.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
Impact
The proposed changes in HB 939 aim to adjust the allocation of funds collected from the transient accommodations tax, drastically altering the financial landscape for local governments and tourism-related enterprises. By establishing a specific priority list for allocations, the bill could fundamentally reshape how counties receive funding and manage resources associated with tourism. This could lead to increased funding for conservation and tourism-related projects, although it may also raise concerns about the sufficiency of the allocations given to individual counties and their respective needs.
Summary
House Bill 939 introduces amendments to section 237D-6.5 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, focusing on the allocation and management of transient accommodations tax revenue. The bill specifies a new distribution framework for revenues collected under this section, outlining specific allocations for various funds, including the Turtle Bay conservation easement special fund, the convention center enterprise special fund, and the tourism special fund. These allocations are intended to support various initiatives related to tourism, conservation, and the preservation of natural resources crucial for the state's economic and environmental health.
Contention
There are points of contention surrounding the amounts allocated to various funds and the implications for counties dependent on these revenues. The bill suggests a significant reduction from prior allocation levels, which has sparked a debate over the fairness and adequacy of funding for different counties. Some stakeholders argue that the redistribution could adversely affect local initiatives that rely on stable funding from the transient accommodations tax, potentially hampering efforts to enhance tourism and preserve natural resources.
Relating To Statutory Revision: Amending Or Repealing Various Provisions Of The Hawaii Revised Statutes Or The Session Laws Of Hawaii For The Purposes Of Correcting Errors And References, Clarifying Language, Or Deleting Obsolete Or Unnecessary Provisions.
Relating To Statutory Revision: Amending Or Repealing Various Provisions Of The Hawaii Revised Statutes Or The Session Laws Of Hawaii For The Purposes Of Correcting Errors And References, Clarifying Language, Or Deleting Obsolete Or Unnecessary Provisions.
An Act Implementing The Recommendations Of The Program Review And Investigations Committee Concerning The Postponement Of Program Termination Dates In The Sunset Law.
An Act Implementing The Recommendations Of The Program Review And Investigations Committee Concerning The Postponement Of Program Termination Dates In The Sunset Law.