COM 0118.037 2002-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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value schedule w pater date as provided in the administro~..e rules and regulations of the department. 4. Subsistence farming should be recognized in the revision process. I think we should encourage the administration to institute an inspection program to confirm declaration by the property owner. I think some kind of annual reimbursement contract for services with the six (6) Soil & Water Conservation District of the Big Island could be the most cost-efficient program. The districts already have an existing program agreement with the Department of Public Works to assist with the administration of the County Grading Ordinance. 5. One agricultural tax rate at the lowest rate on our schedule for the whole property including only those buildings engaged in agricultural production seems reasonable. It would be easier to administer. 6. It would be prudent for the county to encourage open space, watershed enhancement, forestry, livestock production, and other agricultural pursuits in all related programs such as agricultural property tax to improve groundwater recharge and reduce flooding. 7. Additionally, we should revise the definition of agriculture to include the above to capture the essence of encouraging all agriculturally related pursuits. 8. The above would resolve the issue of employee or farm worker housing. This would perhaps encourage farmers to provide adequate and safe housing for their workers and directly relieve the need for safe affordable housing, transportation and traffic pressure on our rural highway system. 9. Lastly, We should certainly consider a really stiff penalty clause for fraudulent declaration like doubling the taxes due back plus interest due dated to the alleged fraudulent filing date. 10. Just a closing note, I have discussed the issue of the short term leases with some of~ the lazge land owners and some farmers who lease land for short periods of time. As a benefit to their lessees, they (the large land owners) would definitely support a yeazly certification program to give some flexibility in their land management programs. The short term lessees feel they understand the land owners situation and would be adjusting their cropping patterns to fit the annual certification program. In that sense, they would strongly support using the IRS Schedule F, particularly, if they don't have to prepare another set of forms. In closing, I will be still willing to assist the Finance Director and the Department to fine tune this Ordinance in the future, assuming it passes this year. Thank you for your attention on this matter. Sincerely, Michael C. Tulang, Council Member Hawaii County Council xc: Bill Takaba, Director of Finance All Council Members MCT/kc