Hawaii: Marriage equality would increase tourism by $217 million

A new economic analysis from the University of Hawaii says legalizing gay marriage in the state would boost tourism by $217 million over the next three years.

The study from the university's Economic Research Organization says that would boost state and local general excise tax revenues by more than $10 million from 2014 through 2016.

The study's author, Prof. Sumner LaCroix, says most of the added visitor spending would come from couples from other U.S. states that have legalized gay marriage. He estimates $166 million would be spent on marriage ceremonies and honeymoons.

(via the Star Advertiser)