Well, this is a bummer
Federal ruling blocks Hawaii’s climate change tourist tax on cruise ships
A federal appeals court ruling on New Year’s Eve blocked Hawaii from enforcing a climate change tourist tax on cruise ships passengers, a levy that was set to go into effect at the start of 2026.
Cruise Lines International Association challenged the tax in a lawsuit, arguing that the new law violates the U.S. Constitution by taxing cruise ships for entering Hawaii ports. They also argued it would make cruises more expensive. The lawsuit notes the law authorizes counties to collect an additional 3% surcharge, bringing the total to 14% of prorated fares.
The levy increases rates on hotel room and vacation rental stays but also imposes a new 11% tax on the gross fares paid by a cruise ship’s passenger, prorated for the number of days the vessels are in Hawaii ports. The lawsuit notes the law authorizes counties to collect an additional 3% surcharge, bringing the total to 14% of prorated fares. (snip)
U.S. District Judge Jill A. Otake last week upheld the law and the plaintiffs appealed to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The U.S. government intervened in the case and also appealed Otake’s ruling.
The order by two 9th Circuit judges granted both requests for an injunction pending the appeals.
As I wrote back on December 26th in regards to Judge Jill’s ruling in upholding Hawaii’s law: Look, Hawaiians voted for the people who put this tax in place. Every experiment needs an experimental group, right. Let’s see what happens to the economy of Hawaii, see if the peasants enjoy the fallout. And, anyhow, if the doomsday cultists in Hawaii hate fossil fuels, why not ban cruise ships, gas powered boats, airplanes, and helicopters?
Nielsen Ratings – Fox New continues to extend dominance – MSNBC and CNN hemorrhage viewers – more Dems watch Fox than MSNBC or CNN:
https://commoncts.blogspot.com/2026/01/nielsen-ratings-fox-new-continues-to.html
If you think the partisan trash peddled on Fox news is any better than CNN or MSNBC you need to have your head examined. This ladies and gentlemen is why we still have people like Lindsay Graham in office and why our Nation will never recover.