Honolulu lawmakers propose boosting hotel tax to pay for rail project

HONOLULU — The News&Observer reports that Hawaiian Hawaii lawmakers proposed a steep increase in hotel taxes to pay for Honolulu's light rail transit project.

Leaders in the House and Senate agreed to the last-minute proposal before a legislative deadline Friday. The bill would raise the transient accommodation tax paid by visitors from 9.25% to 12% for 10 years.

Lawmakers expect the proposed hotel tax increase to raise $1.3 billion by 2027. For the full story, click here.