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12-I4-38 14:55 From-TNE GAS C014PAPlY 8085355843 T-470 P 02/03 F-304
THE GAS COMPANY_~ ~C~ ~ ~ I ~ `I'~~
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TESTIMONY BEFORE THE HAWAII COCJNTY COUNCIL
ON
BILL 143 (Draft 2), RELATING TO REAL PROPERTY
TAXES
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1999
Chairman Arakaki and Members of the Hawaii County Council:
1 am Steven Golden, Manager of Government Affairs & Planning
for The Gas Company, testifying on Bill 143 (Draft 2), relating to
real property taxes.
Thank for the opportunity to testify on this measure. The Gas
Company is concerned that if we are required to continue to pay
our existing level of revenue taxes as well pay real property taxes,
this would increase the cost of utility service to consumers.
Legitimately assessed taxes are properly allowable as a pass
through to utility consumers, resulting in higher rates for our
customers.
This increase would be compounded with increases from the other
utility companies and would be especially difficult on lower
income residents.
As an alternative to Bill 143 (Draft 2), The Gas Company
continues to support an amended version of the State legislation
(Senate Bill No. 1364) contained in the draft ?000 Hawaii State
Association of Counties (I-ISAC) Legislative Package. This state
legislation would apportion to the counties the part of the public
service company tax in excess of 4 percent.
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12-14-88 14:55 From-THE GAS COl4PANY 8085355843 T-470 P 03/03 F-304
The Gas Company supports the HSAC proposal provided it is
amended to ensure real property taxes are not imposed by the
County.
In summary, we recommend that Bill 143 (Draft 2), as currently
drafted, be filed and that the HSAC proposal with the amendment
suggested above be supported. Your consideration of our
recommendation is appreciated.
We look forward to working with the County to resolve this
longstanding issue. Thank you for the opportunity to testify on Bill
143 (Draft 2).