HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 064 2023/08/01 2022-2024 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: August 1, 2023 Re: Comm. No. 371/Bill No. 59
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 10:30 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 59, reports as follows:
Bill No. 59, transmitted by Committee Member Cindy Evans, via Communication No. 371 dated
July 11, 2023, amends Chapter 19, Article 10, Section 19-71, of the Hawaii County Code 1983
(2016 Edition, as Amended), Relating to Home Exemptions.
This bill amends subsection (d)by adding an age range of 75 years of age or over but not 80 years of
age or over for a $110,000 exemption and adding an exemption of$125,000 for taxpayers 80 years of
age or over.
Committee Member Cindy Evans provided an overview of this measure, emphasizing the need to
care for our elderly community and asking for her colleagues' support.
Committee Member Susan L.K. Lee Loy offered her support. Ms. Lee Loy asked Finance
Director Deanna Sako and Assistant Real Property Tax Administrator Keita Jo for details on how
this measure will impact the County. Mr. Jo provided those details.
Committee Member Jenn Kagiwada asked if they considered the aging demographic and, as
that rises, how that impacts County funds. Mr. Jo replied that they had yet to look at that
demographic. However, as this goes forward and should it affect the County fiscally, he would
recommend revisiting the legislation and making adjustments.
Committee Member Rebecca Villegas asked if it was possible to cap the individual's home value.
She felt there might be a discrepancy as an individual with a $20 million home could benefit
alongside an individual who owns a$58,000 home. To which Ms. Sako replied that the max
benefit would be $90. So an individual with a $20 million home could only benefit up to $90.
Committee Member Michelle Galimba thanked Ms. Evans for her efforts.
Committee Chair Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder encouraged an amendment to possibly increase
these savings. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked Mr. Jo what the process would be if the individual
were widowed. Mr. Jo replied that the widow/widower would automatically get the benefits if
they were on the title.
FC Report No.: 64
FC-64 Page 2 August 1,2023
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 59, and
recommends its passage on first reading.
nth
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
EVANS X
GALIMBA X COMMITTEE ON , INANCE
INABA X
KAGIWADA X -4111111
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X Alft
KIERKIEWICZ x MATT NEALI`I'KLEINFELDER,
KIMBALL x CHAIR
LEE LOY X FC ' 'ORT NO.: 64
VILLEGAS x ADOPTED: AUG 1 6 2023