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At this point Mayor Caldwell arrived to discuss HCOM's proposals. <br /> Treasurer Victorino asked the Mayor to explain Honolulu's position on <br /> HCOM's GET proposal. Mayor Caldwell explained that while he <br /> supported the ability of the other counties to enact a GET surcharge for <br /> any purpose they determined, he did not support amending the current <br /> restriction on Honolulu's GET surcharge for mass transit. Mayor Caldwell <br /> stated that he would be concerned that any removal of Honolulu's GET <br /> half-percent surcharge restriction could jeopardize funding for rail. Mayor <br /> Caldwell stated that part of the HCOM proposal also included limiting the <br /> state portion of the surcharge to cost of collection only, and a removal of <br /> the sunset date for Honolulu's surcharge. He argued that the counties <br /> should not have to go through the arduous process of lobbying for taxation <br /> authority and of imposing a new tax only to have it repealed automatically. <br /> Treasurer Victorino agreed with the Mayor that if Mayors and Councils <br /> took action to enact a new tax, any removal of the tax should also be the <br /> responsibility of the county governments. <br /> Vice President Onishi solicited comments from councilmembers in <br /> attendance. Kauai Council Chair Jay Furfaro stated that he would like <br /> some clarity on HCOM's position regarding the TAT, especially in light of <br /> the State's need to fund its retirement and health care obligations. Mayor <br /> Caldwell explained that HCOM members did not have a single unified <br /> proposal for the TAT and thus agreed to remain silent on the issue in the <br /> coming legislative session. He stated that while he believes the counties <br /> have a strong position to argue for a greater share of the TAT, all four <br /> mayors did not have a unified legislative proposal to present to the State. <br /> Chair Furfaro explained that he was concerned that increased public <br /> safety costs for counties were often related to increased tourism and that <br /> the State was not providing proper funding for those costs. Mayor <br /> Caldwell clarified that HCOM's position on the TAT was to maintain the <br /> status quo at this time. Treasurer Victorino emphasized that it was <br /> important for the counties to promote a united front to the State legislature <br /> in order to advance the interests of the counties Alternate Kagawa stated <br /> that he appreciated HCOM's GET proposal and their neutrality regarding <br /> the TAT <br /> Kauai Councilmember JoAnn Yukimura stated that an overt policy <br /> statement regarding the TAT versus silence may better serve the counties' <br /> interests. She asked whether an HSAC endorsement or approval of the <br /> HCOM GET proposal would require approval of the respective county <br /> councils. It was agreed by committee members that the HSAC bylaws <br /> permit the Executive Committee to approve of measures for the legislative <br /> package during the legislative session without council approval if those <br /> measures relate to income for the counties or promote home rule. <br /> Councilmember Yukimura stated that she was concerned that a GET <br /> 3 <br />