Since launching his campaign for governor, Josh Green has had a consistent twin message: Hawaii needs more money and it should come from visitors to the state.
He has listed increasing taxes on tourists as high on his “to do” list.
“As governor, I will propose a $50 impact fee for visitors,” candidate Green said while still a state senator.
The specific details have changed, but the theory remains the same: taxes need to go up and they should be imported. That means Hawaii citizens don’t pay; instead, someone else or another entity should cough up the money.
If you are searching for the easy description, try the cliche, “Don’t tax you, don’t tax me, tax that fellow behind the tree.”
The late Louisiana Sen. Russell B. Long is usually credited with the verse, although political historians can trace the tax advice back to the 1930s.
This year, the “Green fee” is a proposed $25 charge imposed on out-of-state visitors checking in to hotels or short-term rentals…
