Voter Registration Deadline Coming Up, Cruise Passanger Fees in Haines

Local First News (News of the North)

In Juneau's recent election, 60% of voters rejected Proposition 2, which aimed to ban cruise ships on Saturdays. Opponents spent $600,000 to defeat the measure, with significant support from local businesses and large cruise companies like Disney. Supporters raised less than $1,000.

Alaska residents have until Sunday, October 6, to register to vote for the November general election. In-person registration is available at election offices, and online registration is also open. Mail-in ballot requests must be submitted by October 26.

Voting for Katmai National Park’s annual Fat Bear Week started, where fans pick the fattest brown bear preparing for winter hibernation. The event was delayed after Bear 402, a fan favorite, was killed in a bear fight. Twelve bears will now compete, and voting continues until October 8.

Haines Borough Assembly approved a cruise passenger fee, starting at $9 per passenger in 2025, aimed at funding tourism-related infrastructure improvements. The fee will increase to $12 in 2027 and $13 in 2029, with funds used for projects that benefit cruise passengers.

Hilcorp has applied to install water level gauges in Birch Creek as part of ongoing oil and gas exploration efforts in partnership with Doyon, Interior Alaska's Native corporation. The exploration site is near the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge, raising potential environmental concerns.