Hawaii excise and income taxes record decline in last half of 2009 while tourist taxes rise
By APTuesday, January 12, 2010
Hawaii tax revenues generate good and bad news
HONOLULU — Revenues from Hawaii’s excise and income taxes declined during the last half of 2009, compared to the same period in 2008.
A report from the state Department of Taxation on Monday said receipts from Hawaii’s general excise and use taxes from July through December dropped 9.7 percent, compared to the same period in 2008.
The agency says that was a reflection of continued economic weakness.
Individual income tax revenues decreased, by 9.3 percent, compared to the last half of 2008.
But transient accommodation tax collections rose 1.5 percent. Those taxes are primarily paid by tourists and other visitors to the islands.
In all, state general fund revenues were down 8.3 percent during the last half of 2009, compared to the same period in 2008.
