Why the Cost of Your Joy Just Went Up
Look, we’ve survived worse—airport “security theater,” sunscreen bans, and the $35 cocktail—but the latest twist in Hawaii’s economic drama? Tariffs. Yep. Import tariffs are quietly rising thanks to one man’s favorite game: economic cosplay. That’s right—full-time clown and part-time Mar-a-Lago lounge act Donald “Tantrum Tariff” Trump set the stage with his trade war, and now we’re all paying the price.
When 90% of what we use in Hawaii is imported, those added costs don’t just live on luxury hotel bills—they hit your grocery run, your weekend cocktails, your power bill, and yeah, even the price of that drag brunch you were debating.
For queer locals, it means more than higher prices. It means fewer visitors tipping at your bar. Fewer gigs for DJs and dancers. Fewer flings with that visiting muscle daddy from Milwaukee. It’s the kind of ripple effect that turns into a wave—and not the fun kind.
That boutique resort with the queer-friendly pool party? Squeezing budgets. That beach bar that finally added rainbow flags and a live DJ? Doing the math on every liquor shipment. Even your go-to ABC store snack haul is looking...a little judgy.
So what’s a local to do? Stay fabulous, obviously—but maybe budget your mai tais and grab that SPF before it hits $18. And keep showing up—for Because Hawaii, your people, your scene, and your happy hour.
