Report Title:

Rental motor vehicle surcharge tax; exemption

 

Description:

Exempts residents from the rental motor vehicle surcharge tax.

 


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

917

TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT


 

 

RELATING TO AN EXEMPTION TO THE RENTAL VEHICLE AND TOUR VEHICLE SURCHARGE TAX.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the seemingly global recession has dampened tourism numbers, leading to a strain on our local economy.  It has also forced residents to scale back on their travel plans.  For those that were set on travelling off island, economic reality may force residents to travel in-state.

     Tourism-based businesses, such as rental car companies, would welcome this kind of choice by residents, as it would contribute much needed revenue into their businesses, allowing them to keep employees working.  The rental motor vehicle surcharge tax, however, increases the price of a rental car, making inter-island getaways that much more expensive for residents.

     The purpose of this Act is to exempt residents from the rental motor vehicle surcharge tax.

SECTION 2.  Chapter 251, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§251-A   Exemption; residents.   Residents of the state shall be exempt from the tax imposed by section 251-2(a).  A state identification card or state drivers license listing an in-state address shall be sufficient proof of residency for purposes of this exemption."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2009.

 

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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