Laserfiche WebLink
The Honorable Chairman .1 Yoshimoto and <br /> Members of the I- lawai`1 County Council <br /> Page 8 <br /> March 1.2010 <br /> CONCLUSION <br /> This budget is $1 I .7 million less than the current year's budget, but that number does not begin <br /> to reflect the painful effects of the budget cuts proposed here on our community at large, and our <br /> employees and their families. That number also does not reflect the continuing challenges we <br /> face in this difficult economic climate as state and county governments across the nation struggle <br /> to balance their budgets. Some members of the state Legislature advocate seizing the Counties' <br /> share of the hotel room tax, a step that would strip another $18 million in revenue out of this <br /> County budget, leaving us no choice but to increase property taxes. My administration will <br /> continue to advocate for fair treatment at the Legislature, and will oppose any effort to unfairly <br /> shift the tax burden to County of Hawaii residents. <br /> Demand for County services such as police protection, lire protection and other County services <br /> is always growing, and many County agencies are experiencing increased demands as the effects <br /> of a weak economy are felt by more and more people. 11 is essential that County government <br /> provide stability and security in meeting the basic public safety, sanitation, transportation and <br /> other service needs of our citizens. We will meet our responsibility to ensure that adequate <br /> resources are available to continue and expand services as needed, and to maintain a strong and <br /> Financially sound County government. <br /> This difficult budget process presents our administration with a continuing mandate to overhaul <br /> County government. We must invest our scarce resources in programs and projects that our <br /> residents must have, while shifting resources away from those programs that we can no longer <br /> afford. In the months ahead you will hear more about steps my administration will take to <br /> improve County government efficiency and adapt our government to today's challenging <br /> economic environment. We all understand the lingering national and local economic difficulties <br /> will continue to put pressure on County government resources, and my administration's strict <br /> review and reprioritization of County spending will enable us to deal with those challenges. <br /> Aloha, <br /> _ <br /> William P: Keno; <br /> MAYOR <br /> Gnnl or lia' iii is all Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. <br />