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Operators urge deferral of bill to raise small‑boat harbor fees, citing thin margins and lack of specifics
Summary
Local charter and tourism operators and industry groups told the Senate committee that HB 649’s proposed gross‑receipts fee increases would hit thin‑margin businesses and lack safeguards ensuring fee revenue would fund needed harbor improvements; the committee deferred the measure for further work.
Chair Lee opened testimony on HB 649, a measure that would create a small‑boat harbor commercial vessel special fund and raise gross‑receipts fees to finance harbor improvements. DLNR stood on written testimony and urged consideration of broader policy changes to cover all ocean operators, the department said.
Denver, testifying for the Ocean Tourism Coalition, said the industry opposes the bill and warned that raising fees without addressing procurement and staffing will not deliver improvements. "We'll still run into the same issue — we'll be paying more, but still not seeing those…
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