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It is imperative that this Council take the approach on this budget that my students did in the <br /> budget exercise I described above. Identify the "Wants" versus the "Needs". Make prudent and <br /> disciplined financial choices, even though they are tough to do. Save money for those big ticket <br /> items just like my students will have to to get that car, home, or education for their Keiki. Please <br /> stop writing checks on the backs of this citizenry that will soon make it unaffordable to live in <br /> this wonderful place. I love living in Honokaa, and I and my wife want to live out my retirement <br /> years in my home. <br /> I also have some questions for you: <br /> 1) Is the $800,000.00 a surplus or is it a mandated contingency fund? <br /> 2) Given the low rate of interest, why haven't you refinanced the legacy debt and lowered you <br /> debt service? <br /> 3) Can you please explain how 35,689 parcel, or 25% of all parcels on this island pay $100.00 <br /> per year or less on their property taxes? <br /> Finally, I would like to suggest a financial solution to some of your shortfall. If you increase <br /> the 35,689 parcels annual tax to only$600.00 per year, you would yield$21,413,400.00 in <br /> additional property tax. This comes at a monthly cost of only $50.00 per month to those 35,689 <br /> parcels. Those who genuinely not afford the increase could have two choices: 1) apply for a <br /> deferment allowing the county to recapture the $600.00 per year once that parcel changed <br /> ownership. OR 2)have those who cannot afford the increase to apply for hardship. In our school <br /> system,parentsapply of children can for free or reduced lunch cost. A similar model could be <br /> created. The caveat would be that a county appraiser would be allowed to visit the home/parcel <br /> to confirm the hardship <br /> GAS TAX PROPOSAL <br /> I want to strongly oppose the Mayor's proposal to increase our gas taxes to $.23 per gallon, <br /> mirroring Maui. We are not Maui, nor is our citizens wealth close to those who live on Maui. We <br /> also drive long distances, especially those like my wie and I who live in Honokaa. My wife <br /> drives over 70 miles round trip per day five (5) days a week. This tax would place another unfair <br /> burden. on those who can least afford. PLEASE SAY NO TO OUR MAYOR ON THIS <br /> UNFAIR INCREASE TO OUR GAS TAXES. <br /> I wantY ou to know that I called my Council person and our Mayor to discuss this two days <br /> ago. I received no return call. As a teacher, I knew how important it was to return parents phone <br /> calls. They were my partners. We are your partners too. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> T. Vincent Keelan <br /> Home : (808 775-8040 <br /> e-mail; tvkeelan@gmail.com <br />