The union vote could lead to a work stoppage by about 3,500 workers, including those at the Royal Hawaiian, Westin Moana Surfrider and Sheraton Waikiki.

Local fishermen say the impact of the April storm on tourism has been a boon to the fish population.

Some wedding venues only accept destination weddings to limit the number of guests and the effect on neighbors.

Kauai County had already cracked down on hundreds of remote visitor rentals. The flood might have doomed many more.

State officials are worried they could end up with no new revenue if Airbnb backpedals on the collection process.

Economists caution legislators about the housing shortage, the possibility of lower tax revenue and reduced tourist spending.

A backlash is brewing against a potential deal for the company to collect Hawaii taxes — in part, because no one knows what’s in the agreement.

Protesters decry “dirty tourism” during a demonstration outside the Hilo airport. “It’s never been this bad,” said a County Council member.

The islands have a smaller gender pay gap than the mainland, but that’s partially due to relatively low pay for men here.

Travelers spent $1.6 billion last month, and the number of visitors climbed almost 7 percent to more than 890,000.

UPDATED: The proposal to raise hotel taxes and extend the GET next faces another vote by the full Senate on Wednesday, then likely House consideration.

A coastal hazard expert briefs Hawaii officials and others about the need to adapt to rising sea levels and warmer temperatures.