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Ocean View Community Meeting September 21, 2004 <br /> Bill 49, Draft 3. Agricultural band Taxation <br /> which portion was the home site or housing. If different types of crops are grown, that should be <br /> specified in the sketch as well. After reviewing the application and verifying the use, the parcel would <br /> receive the Ag rate on the farm poiKions and the home site would be assessed using market value and <br /> taxed at the homeowners rate. <br /> Mr. "fyler asked how the four categories (Intensive Ag, Orchard, Fast Rotation and Pasture) of Ag use <br /> was decided. Mr. Takai stated that in the past, there was a long list of types of Ag uses that would <br /> comply with the program, and a person would have to choose a category to be in. 'this proved to be a <br /> complication, because if a farmer wanted to switch to a different type of Ag use, they would be in <br /> breach of dedication. He stated that since the dosing of the plantations and the emergence of diversified <br /> types of Agriculture on the island. they have had to make changes to the categories, to make them more <br /> broad. <br /> Discussion continued on different types of Ag categories and what uses would fit into what category. <br /> Sugar was considered a fast rotation crop. Potted plants are considered intensive Ag. <br /> Mc "Takai pointed out that he believes the Ag rate should be lowered. He stated that Hawaii County <br /> has the highest Ag rate in the state and this does not protect Ag lands. Mr. Takaba stated that there are <br /> many parcels on Ag land that arc not in Ag use, and these parcels are in the homeowners class, receiving <br /> the homeowners rate. Mr. l~yler agreed that if the parcel is being used for Ag, it should be taxed at a <br /> lower rate. <br /> The group fell into discussion on different ways to tax properties. Lowering the Ag rate was mentioned <br /> and discussed. Basing the tax on productivity of the Ag use was mentioned. Circuit breakers were <br /> discussed, and situations in the other Counties and what the results have been after to their real property <br /> taxation programs. A former Councilmember had brought up discontinuing the homeowners class; the <br /> possible result of this was discussed. Different ways of assessing differently zoned land was discussed. <br /> F,xemptions were discussed, and it was mentioned that bills for that portion of the Administration's <br /> changes to the County's real property taxation program was separate from the Ag land portion, but that <br /> several bills were submitted to the Council and deferred. Once those are processed by the Council, the <br /> Administration has more proposals to send to them. <br /> Mr. Bates asked if the County had inquired to different jurisdictions on the mainland who may have <br /> been through taxation reform. Ms. Crawford stated that their working group had done considerable <br /> research and incorporated ideas gained from other jurisdictions. Mr. Takai stated that not only had other <br /> <br /> jurisdictions been through similar processes, but they have had similar or worse problems with their <br /> property taxation. <br /> Disneyland in California was mentioned, where they are getting the benefits of a land Bank while being <br /> a very high user of the infrastructure. Mr. Tyler asked what golf courses were under, and was told they <br /> are in the Open zone. Mr. "fyler feels it should be in the Resort class. He was told that the golf courses <br /> were a good use of the land. They preserve open space and therefore are given a special rate. Mr. 'Cyler <br /> expressed concern about the run-off from the golf courses and the effect on the environment. Mr. Takai <br /> mentioned the golf courses have a special section in the County Code. <br /> Page 5 <br /> <br />