As you may know, Hawaii’s Internet retail tax bill, 1405, has been passed by the House and Senate and the Governor’s approval is now pending. As far as I have heard, Governor Linda Lingle has yet to veto the bill. If she doesn’t veto by July 15th it will likely become law. If the law passes–and it’s likely to because the state budget has a serious shortfall–Hawaii residents will have to pay 4.2% General Excise Tax on all online purchases. This additional tax will add significantly to already stretched household budgets. Email your opinion on the proposed tax directly to the Governor before July 15, 2009 (governor.lingle@hawaii.gov).