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JMjYOF## <br /> p,.•��� +,, Wil Okabe <br /> • *116.‘ <br /> digr Managing Director <br /> Harry Kim •: �"r• � =+ <br /> Mayor = ,t <br /> Barbara J.Kossow <br /> 4 T °'e• - Deputy Managing Director <br /> • Eor %4 <br /> t f rr of filraitagar <br /> 25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo,Hawai`i 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553 <br /> KONA: 74-5044 Me Keohokalole Hwy.,Bldg.C • Kailua-Kona,Hawaii 96740 <br /> (808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440 <br /> February 13, 2017 <br /> Representative Richard Onishi <br /> Tourism Committee <br /> Hawai'i State Capitol <br /> Honolulu, HI 96813 <br /> Dear Chair Onishi and members: <br /> RE: HB 317 <br /> Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of HB 317. <br /> Given Hawaii County's limited resources (and seemingly unlimited needs), we <br /> are fortunate that the Legislature has allowed the counties to share in the TAT. The TAT <br /> is a vital revenue source in balancing our budget, and we thank you for it. <br /> Since the State and the counties serve the same constituents, it is important that <br /> we continue to work as partners in meeting the needs of our communities. As demand <br /> for services is ever increasing (and so is the cost of those services), it is equally <br /> important that revenue be appropriately shared so that the demands can be met to the <br /> best of our collective ability. <br /> Although I could hope for even more, HB 317 seems to be a reasonable division <br /> of revenue among the various parties that are looking for a piece of the TAT pie. HB <br /> 317 recognizes that there should not be a cap on the counties' share, and that without <br /> TAT, the counties would be forced to raise property taxes and/or reduce services to <br /> levels that most would find unacceptable. <br /> I urge you to approve HB 317. <br /> Res ectfully submitted, <br /> Harry Kim <br /> Mayor <br /> County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. <br />