HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0708.010 2020-2022 P/rbblicl H in
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From: Doug Perrine
Sent: Monday, April 18, 2022 9:02 AM
To: Council Testimony, Chung, Aaron; David, Maile; Kierkiewicz, Ashley; Kanealii-Kleinfelder,
Matt; Richards, Tim; Kimball, Heather; Inaba, Holeka
Subject: gasoline tax
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Aloha Council Members -
I understand that you will be discussing the HiCo gasoline tax at Tuesday's meeting. I would like to urge you to raise
the fuel tax at this time for the benefit of the aina and the health of Hawaii residents.
Please look around you as you drive and take a tally of the vehicles around you. How many are small high-mileage
vehicles, hybrids, or electric vehicles? How many are large fuel-wasting SUVs or trucks? How many of those trucks
are outfitted as work vehicles or show signs of off-road use, and how many are highly polished,jacked-up,
accessorized show pieces, clearly purchased primarily for status purposes?
For most HiCo residents, the price of fuel is clearly not high enough to prompt a behavioral switch to energy
conservation. The price of fossil fuels is artificially low both because fossil fuels are highly subsidized by the federal
government, and because the price does not include all the costs, notably the costs of remediating environmental
damage and health treatment. Surely the Council is aware of the link between internal combustion engine exhaust
products and miscarriages, cancer, pulmonary disease, and other health conditions?
I do not doubt that some residents are finding it difficulty to both purchase groceries and to fill their tanks for the long
commute from where they can afford to live to where they work. We all know that poverty exists. However, reducing
taxes on the entire population is not a targeted way to help the struggling and impoverished. I implore the Council to
instead direct those funds to the Food Bank and to Public Transit to directly remediate food shortages and
transportation issues for the working poor-without incentivizing the public to continue destroying the planet by
wastefully burning fossil fuels.
Thank you for considering my point of view.
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Doug Perrine
76-223 Haoa St. ti
Kailua-Kona HI 96740 U.S.A.
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