Hawaii Tourism Authority cuts environmental budget
Hawaii Tourism Authority cuts environmental budget
29 December 2008
published by www.kpua.net
USA — The Hawaii Tourism Authority is slashing its funding for native plant restoration, invasive species control and wildfire prevention due to the economic downturn.
The organization plans to give $2 million to environmental efforts next year, down from $4 million this year.
The agency says it’s doing so because hotel room tax revenues have dropped off amid the recession.
Officials say they tried to minimize the impact of the spending cuts because of the important role Hawaii’s natural resources play in attracting tourists.
The Hawaii Tourism Authority is funded by the 7.25 percent transient accommodations tax imposed on hotel rooms and rental contracts lasting less than 180 days.
