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Harry Kim :�� �4/,: Deanna S.Sako <br /> Mayor <br /> •'� • Finance Director <br /> • <br /> • <br /> County of Hawai`i Nancy Crawford <br /> Deputy Finance Director <br /> DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE-REAL PROPERTY TAX <br /> Aupuni Center • 101 Pauahi Street • Suite No.4 • Hilo,Hawaii 96720 • Fax(808)961-8415 <br /> Appraisers(808)961-8354 • Clerical(808)961-8201 • Collections(808)961-8282 <br /> West Hawaii Civic Center • 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy. • Bldg.D,2nd Flr. • Kailua Kona,Hawai`i 96740 <br /> Fax(808)327-3538 • Appraisers(808)323-4881 • Clerical(808)323-4880 <br /> REPORT TO HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL <br /> FROM THE REAL PROPERTY TAX REVIEW WORKING GROUP, <br /> AND AGRICULTURAL COMMITTEE <br /> March 16, 2018 <br /> This is the second report to the Hawaii County Council from the Real Property Tax Review <br /> Working Group (Review Group) which includes the Agricultural Committee (Ag <br /> Committee). The Review Group held eight meetings and the Ag Committee held seven <br /> meetings. The agricultural portion of the Real Property Tax code is a substantial portion, <br /> therefore, a dedicated meeting time is set for review of the Agriculture code. <br /> The focus of the Review Group and Ag Committee is to review and give policy driven <br /> recommendations as needed on the following: Hawaii County Code Chapter 19, Finance <br /> Director Rules and Regulations as it pertains to Real Property Tax, Agricultural <br /> Rates/Values, 2011 IAAO Audit and review proposed changes or legislation which affects <br /> the Real Property Tax Office that is referred by the Council or County. In addition the Real <br /> Property Tax Office has been providing the Review Group and Ag Committee with <br /> complaints and concerns the office receives. <br /> The group has been meeting since August 2017, and has agreed to meet for a minimum of <br /> two years. Reports will be filed to provide County Council with updates of the group's <br /> progress. The goals were collectively agreed upon: <br /> • Increase the fairness of the County's Real Property Tax program <br /> • Identify and incorporate best property tax administrative practices <br /> • Propose additional tax programs as appropriate <br /> • Identify public policy goals and incorporating them into the County's <br /> Real Property tax program <br /> Since the last report which was submitted at the end of November 2017, the Review Group <br /> has reviewed in detail the Veterans Disability exemption, Non Speculative program, Real <br /> Property Tax Board of Review report and the Affordable Rental Housing program. The <br /> Review Group is recommending to the Hawai`i County Council and the County of Hawai`i <br /> Administration the following: <br /> 1. The Veterans Disability annual real property tax be $0. This would require a <br /> change to the Hawai`i County Code. Recommendation is to change for tax year <br /> 2018, however, it may be more realistic to have this done for tax year 2019 due to <br /> Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer <br />