2018-02-15 Letter to Sylvia Luke re HB 2587 Relating to GET Surcharge

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Elarry Kim ho,or &until ffirr Wil Okabe Akmaging Director Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Alanagnig Director 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • HIo, 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 15, 2018 Representative Sylvia Luke, Chair Committee on Finance Hawan State Capitol, Room 308 Honolulu„ HI 96813 Dear Chair Luke and Con miftee Members: Re: HB 2587 Relating to GET Surcharge Hearing Dat- 02/16/18 4:00 pm; House Conference Room 308 Please accept this tesfimony in support of HB 2587 extending the opportuni a county to add a surchar e to the State GET. :yfor As you may know, have been opposed to increasing the GET in Hawaii County for as long as 1 have been Mayor. However, 1 have had to come to terms with the fiscal vise that makes it nearly impossible to (1) balance our County budget, and (2) provide the services that our communities need, without increasing our tax revenue. 1 therefore have sent a proposal to our Council calling for the surcharge, and the County is in the process of conducting public hearings around the island. With March 31, 2018 rapi iy approaching, Hawaii County may need additional time to make the difficult decision to adopt a surcharge. Therefore HB 2587 would be to our benefit, and I ask that you give this hill your favorable consideration. September 30 should be plenty of time for us to make our decision, while also allowing the Department of Taxation enough time to prepare appropriate forms for Calendar Year 2019. Harry Kim Mayor, County of Ha ail CoAnty ol EIawaiis an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.