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3 ^�4ASlpC`/` <br /> . <br /> March 17, 2017 �� SAI.) <br /> successful. Members of the media now seek input from HSAC on issues related <br /> to the HSAC legislative package. Mr. Ishikawa requested direction on HSAC's <br /> main focus moving forward, given the recent forecast by the Council on <br /> Revenues, President Trump's proposed budget, and Lobbyist Victorino's report. <br /> Secretary Rapozo noted that it is ridiculous that the tort liability will not be <br /> made permanent, but it has been extended another four years. HSAC can work <br /> towards making the tort liability permanent during this extended period. On <br /> Kaua`i, the Executive Director of the Kaua`i Chamber of Commerce strongly <br /> urged members at a recent quarterly meeting to support HSAC's position for <br /> the counties getting a fair share of the TAT by contacting their legislative <br /> representatives. There is finally traction for businesses supporting HSAC's <br /> position. Treasurer Anderson added that the Visitor Industry realized revenues <br /> of $550 million in January, according to some reports. We can only guess what <br /> this translates to in transient accommodations tax revenues and general excise <br /> tax revenues that came into the State. Mr. Victorino stated that part of that <br /> discussion was O`ahu's lack of focus on collecting from the Bed and Breakfasts, <br /> transient vacation rentals, etc. During the Air BnB bill hearing, it was noted <br /> that $26 million to $28 million is uncollected each and every year just for O`ahu. <br /> Secretary Rapozo noted that O`ahu is the easy target and gets hammered <br /> because of the rail situation. Funding sources are a statewide concern, and <br /> somehow, the legislature continues to ignore the fact that State and County <br /> constituents are the same people. <br /> Mr. Ishikawa requested direction on submitting another op-ed based on TAT <br /> and tort liability, as an update. A draft op-ed will be transmitted for review by <br /> the members prior to sending it to the newspapers. Mr. Victorino asked <br /> whether he should pursue making the tort liability permanent if the House will <br /> be reconsidering the measure. Vice President Kanuha had no problem with <br /> pursuing making the tort liability permanent, if that is the direction of all the <br /> members. Honolulu Staff Brandon Mitsuda recommended that the op-ed <br /> include information regarding the amount collected for TAT, especially because <br /> the tourism numbers are up, where the moneys are distributed, and the fair <br /> share amount of the TAT that the counties should be getting. <br /> Members acknowledged that the media services provided by Mr. Ishikawa has <br /> proven valuable and has created a lot of public awareness and education. <br />