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<br /> Hawaii Hotel Association gig Island Business Council Kona Board of Realtors <br /> <br /> Hawaii Island Board of Realtors Kohala Coast Resort Association <br /> <br /> Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce Hawaii Island Restaurant Association <br /> <br /> Hawaii Island Contractors' Association 75-5737 KUAKINI HWY., #207 Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce <br /> <br /> Hawaii Island Economic Development Board KAILUA•KONA, HAWAII 96740 Kanoelehua Industrial Area Association <br /> <br /> Hawaii Island Portuguese Chamber of Commerce (808) 329-1758 FAX: (808) 329-8564 Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii <br /> Mr. James Y. Arakaki .~tgC~ December 17, 1997 <br /> Chairman <br /> Hawaii County Council fin.- J--aY----^"""' <br /> 25 Aupuni Street 1;-r, <br /> Hilo, HI 96720 County Council <br /> Re: Reso 185-97 <br /> Relating to Increase for HGEA units 3-4-63-84 <br /> Dear Chairman Arakaki and members of the Hawaii County Council: <br /> My name is John Tolmie and I am a delegate to the Big Island Business <br /> Council. Our President Tony Hanley has asked me to provide the <br /> perspective of the Big Island Business Council on the resolution, <br /> which at its' December 11, 1997 meeting voted to provide testimony <br /> concerning the cost of government. <br /> While the BIBC is not necessarily taking a position of action for <br /> these particular bargaining units, the BIBC does have grave concern <br /> about the escalating cost of government and its impact on the economy. <br /> We applaud those Council members who had the fortitude to raise this <br /> issue publicly. While we are sure that the parties bargained in good <br /> faith, the results must be approved by those who are responsible to <br /> the people of Hawaii County. <br /> Escalating costs, particularly in the area of benefits for public <br /> employees, must be paid for by the people of this county and the <br /> State, through property taxes, share of the TAT and other fees. <br /> The continuing economic downturn of the county, with decreased <br /> property values, meaning less taxes; and potential decrease in the <br /> share of TAT funds, raises questions as to where the money will <br /> come from to pay the increased cost of our County government. Will <br /> the county increase the property tax rate or institute an increase <br /> in general excise tax, I would trust not. In private business, <br /> while employees may deserve an increase in salary, it is the ability <br /> to pay which is the governing factor. <br /> We look to the public sector unions to partner with business and <br /> government in seeking ways to boost our economy, so that all working <br /> people, both public and private can see wage and salary increases. <br /> In discussing this testimony with HGEA, we discover that the union <br /> has instituted discussions with the Administration to seek ways of <br /> improving efficiency and effectiveness of our County government and <br /> we suggest to the Council and the Mayor, that you continue this dialogue <br /> as a means towards improvement of our current economic situation. <br /> Thank you for the opportunity to testify. <br /> cnta~. ~0. 582. lg <br /> rt,. x~..p Pos' <br /> Ie1 !"SRnfd~~-~~ <br /> )A.t, tn.~ I1Ff` 1 7 taoi <br /> <br />