Laserfiche WebLink
OS%15.81 09:15 $808 8i.{ 5111 C.a)[PBELL EST:ITE ~U02%UU2 <br /> <br /> THt ESTATE OF J~3~1.1ES CAi14PBELL <br /> Apri115, 1997 <br /> T'he Honorable Aaron Chung, Chair <br /> and Committee Members <br /> Committee on Finance <br /> Hawau County Council <br /> Hilo, HI 96720 <br /> Dear Chair Chung: <br /> Bill 51 Relating to Real Pro~ierty Taxation <br /> On behalf of the Rstate of James Campbell, we would like to express some concern over the <br /> sections pertaining to dedication renewals. We feel that the use of dedications was intended to <br /> demonstrate a commitment to a specific use, in our case, agriculture. Further, we believe chat <br /> once an owner or tenant has satisfied the original term of a commitment, they should benefit <br /> and not be penalized. The proposed amendments would force these surviving entities into a <br /> position which is more detrimental than someone who has made little or no commitment to that <br /> use. This detriment takes the form of the roll-back tax burden that could occur from a breach <br /> of the dedication. For example, uuder the proposed amendments, an owner of dedicated land <br /> who has been farmittg for 15, 25, 35.... years and must cease operations is in the same <br /> position as someone who has only been farming for 5 years. Further, this same farmer faces a <br /> penalty larger than someone who has been in operation for less than 5 yeazs. This hardly <br /> seems fair. The existing ordinance addresses this concern by allowing the survivor of a <br /> dedication to automatically renew annually fora 1-yeaz period. <br /> Additionally, in the current rapidly changing technological and financial environment, <br /> requiring someone who has already satisfied a 10- or 20-year commitment to re-dedicate for a <br /> similaz period may force them out of business sooner rather than later. While we have not <br /> faceed this situation on Hawaii, we have had this type of experience on Oahu. By maintaining <br /> the year-to-year extension, a company has a greater chance of remaining in business for a few <br /> more yeazs, where a 10- or 20-year commitment would have terminated their existence for <br /> sure. <br /> Thank you for your consideration. <br /> Very tnLly yours, <br /> James W. Stann y <br /> Manager, Appraisal Services <br /> db:01002200\KL0602 <br /> `uui Kmr.okila l7nukwr~i. K'.tp0lei. 1 bwp;i 9671'1 i Phon<'H08) 674-667J racsimilc (fl4R) G71-3111 <br /> <br />