HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0645.071 2020-2022 PI COLINC.L
Date
COUNTY CLERK1 PU eL � I In�'R.�k[G
COUNTY OF HAWAIIRili2�
Aloha:
RECEIVED
Time 5 MayY$ ��/(p� 6)11-5
202 �
My name is Thomas Vincent Keelan, and I live at 44-2883 Kalopa Mauka Road, Honokaa
96727. I'm a retired High School Teacher, having taught Social Studies for 12 years, which
included 2 years as a full time substitute and as a Student Teacher in UH Hilo's Education
Program. I was honored to serve the community in that capacity, and I am proud of my
accomplishments during that time. My income now is Social Security and a small pension from
the State of Hawaii.
My wife and I have lived at this address for over 16 years. This home was purchased with the
proceeds of the sale of our previous home and it was our life savings. Early in my life my
parents taught me that I must always live within our means. My mother and father reinforced in
me that they would do everything in their power to not be a burden for the four children in their
family. I'm happy to say that both accomplished that goal, until my mother was overcome by
dementia late in her life. We have three grown children and five grandchildren. We do not want
to become a burden to our children and grandchildren because we can't afford to live in our
home!
I tell you this because I believe it is a life lesson this Council has somehow forgotten, or
possibly never learned. In the past two years, my wife lost her job of 15 years, which was at a
Shopping Center on the Kohala Coast. The owners of the center convinced her that she was
only a temporary layoff, and that they would rehire her in the near future. They generously
agreed to keep her medical insurance in place. We adjusted to the loss in income and tightened
down our spending. Time passed and the financial losses that most businesses suffered due to
Covid took down the ownership of her center. They filed bankruptcy. My wife, who has a
pre-existing medical condition was told that they would no longer keep her insurance in place,
and we were required to pay$750.00 a month in COBRA payments. We were forced to an early
drawdown of our retirement savings to pay this new expense. Losing medical care would have
been a disaster, as the cost of my wife's medicine is extremely high.
In my limited time to speak, I don't wish to go any further on this subject, as it is clear to me,
as it should be to you that we have all suffered emotional and financial losses during this time.
This brings me back to the issue at hand. The Council's stated desire to increase its budget
spending while gas and food prices are climbing at an historical clip.
The financing of your spending spree is on the backs of your constituents, the citizens of the
Big Island. I know I'm not alone in being disturbed when I saw my Property Assessment from
the County Assessor's office. My building value was Increased from $537,200 to $663,800,
which is an increase of$126,600, or 33.5% in ONE YEAR! For comparison, the 2021-22
building valuation was $526,700, which was increased to $537,200. This equates to a 1.95%
increase. My property taxes were already high at$3,936.36. Based on the new assessment
those taxes will jump to $5,178.96. That is an increase in one year of$1,242.60; Over$100.00
per month. This will also result in an increase in my property insurance because of the new
assessment. This is unsustainable for us. We have lived frugally and conservatively. It is time for
this Council to do the same as us.
The math for a continuance of these steep taxes will force us to leave our home. I don't wish to
reveal all of our private financial information in a public hearing. However, I do want you folks to
Comm. No. 640.11
Ref. To: VICNICII
Ref. Date MAY 1 7 2022
understand now is not the time to spend your citizens' money with no concern or understanding
of the issues we all are facing.
So, I propose the following:
1) Institute a budget spending freeze equal to last year's budget.
2) Beginning this Tax Year, set an annual Cap of 2% on property taxes for Residential and
Agriculture/Pasture properties. Reassess if and when a property sells.
3) Learn to live, as we have, within your means. Curb your spending habits.
4) For those who are Senior Kapuna, revise the Exemption System. Keep the $80,000.
Exemption for those who are 60 and older. Provide for an additional Exemption for those
65 and older. My reasoning on this is most Seniors take their Social Security at 65/66 full
retirement age. Waiting until the age of 70, given the increased cost in rental and single
family ownership, will help avoid property tax increases forcing your Kapuna out of their
homes.Allow us to not be a burden to our children and grandchildren.
Thank you for allowing me to speak on behalf of so many who could not be here to do so.
Submitted,
Thomas Vincent Keelan and Jane R. Keelan