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MTV os py~ <br /> <br /> Harry Kim ~ j,~'~ Dixie Kaetsu <br /> Mayor <br /> ~ ~ Managing Direcror <br /> ~T~ <br /> ~ •N'~ <br /> County of Hawaii <br /> 25 Aupunf Strec4 Room 215 Hilq Hawaii 96720 ~ 1 _ <br /> (808)961-8211 • Fax (808)961-6553 <br /> January 22, 2003 <br /> The Honorable Chairman James Y. Arakaki <br /> and Members of the County Council <br /> County of Hawaii <br /> Hilo, HI 96720 <br /> Dear Chairman Arakaki and Council Members: <br /> As you know, one of the major goals of my administration has been to ensure that our <br /> real property tax laws are fair, adequate, and up-to-date. The task of reviewing our tax <br /> laws and proposing appropriate changes to these laws has been assigned to Finance <br /> Director, William'I'akaba. <br /> To carry out this assignment, Takaba assembled a team of knowledgeable and interested <br /> individuals to work with him. The team, known as the Real Property Tax Discussion <br /> Group, consists of representatives of the Department of Finance and the Offices of <br /> Management, Corporation Cowtsel, Legislative Auditor, and County Clerk. The Group <br /> meets every two weeks to review and propose improvements to different sections of the <br /> County's real property tax laws, and the policies and procedures of the real property tax <br /> division. <br /> Since September 2001, the Group has been working on the county's agriculture tax <br /> program. Part of the work includes receiving input from members of related <br /> organizations, such as the Big Island Farm Bureau, the Hawaii Cattlemen's Association, <br /> the Leeward Planning Conference, and the Hawaii Island Board of Realtors. Members of <br /> my cabinet and 1 meet with the Group periodically to review its progress and provide <br /> further input and guidance. <br /> After one year and four months, we are pleased to submit the enclosed bill for an <br /> ordinance to amend Chapter 19, Articles 1, 7 and 8 of the Hawaii County Code. We <br /> believe these amendments address our goals of simplifying and improving the County's <br /> agricultural tax program, supporting the agriculture industry and employment, and <br /> promoting equitable taxation. They are not being proposed to increase revenues. Q <br /> ~ / ~ 9 Comm. No. I <br /> File No. ~jC.. C- <br /> Ref. To: ~ <br /> Ref. Date JAN 2 4 2003 <br /> <br />