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Hawaii's Cruise Tax Upheld: $100M Annual Revenue at Stake

12/26/2025

30 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A federal judge upheld Hawaii's new tourist tax, an 11% levy on cruise ship passengers set for January 1, 2026.
Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez says the law is legal.
The tax is expected to raise nearly $100 million annually.
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has challenged the tax, and the legal battle is expected to continue.
Critics fear the tax will deter visitors and harm the economy.

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Story summary

A federal judge upheld Hawaii's new tourist tax, an 11% levy on cruise ship passengers set for January 1, 2026.
Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez says the law is legal.
The tax is expected to raise nearly $100 million annually.
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has challenged the tax, and the legal battle is expected to continue.
Critics fear the tax will deter visitors and harm the economy.