2017-02-13 Mayor Harry Kim's testimony re SB 1290

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............ Wil Okabe Managing Director Harry Kim Mayor -9ror Barbara J.Kossow ,4141 0.V - Deputy Managing Director Countv of Paitnii% Office of fkr Allator 25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo,Hawaii 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy.,Bldg.C • Kailua-Kona,Hawaii 96740 (808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440 February 13, 2017 Senator Glenn Wakai Economic Development, Tourism and Technology Senator Clarence Nishihara Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs Hawaii State Capitol Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Chairs Wakai and Nishihara, and members: RE: SB 1290 Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of SB 1290. Given Hawaii County's limited resources (and seemingly unlimited needs), we are fortunate that the Legislature has allowed the counties to share in the TAT. The TAT is a vital revenue source in balancing our budget, and we thank you for it. Since the State and the counties serve the same constituents, it is important that we continue to work as partners in meeting the needs of our communities. As demand for services is ever increasing (and so is the cost of those services), it is equally important that revenue be appropriately shared so that the demands can be met to the best of our collective ability. Although I could hope for even more, SB 1290 seems to be a reasonable division of revenue among the various parties that are looking for a piece of the TAT pie. SB 1290 recognizes that there should not be a cap on the counties' share, and that without TAT, the counties would be forced to raise property taxes and/or reduce services to levels that most would find unacceptable. I urge you to approve SB 1290 pecffully submitted, Harry Kim Mayor County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.