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Home My WebLink AboutCOM 0370.001 2022-2024 L_c 9-L—In_6 ��.�� "»^ ~'w �_�MM._'_�� From: Donald Rudny Sent: Monday, July 17, 2023 11:22 AM To: Council Testimony; Kimball, Heather; Lee Loy, Sue; Villegas, Rebecca; Kier�iewicz, Ashley Inaba, Ho|eka; Kanea|ii0einfe|der, Matt; Ga|imba, Michelle M.; E�oms, Cynthia F.W. Kogkwada, ]ennifer � Cc: Roth, Mitch [\ Miura, Lisa Subject: Bill 58 Oppose Aloha Honorable Council Members, | amopposed toBill 58 and urge the Council to vote against it,or at a minimum,table it indefinitely to see how the new short term dedicated use program isworking. Using property tax reduction to encourage agricultural activity is understandable, but it unfortunately opens up opportunities for abuse as we have seen with the non-dedicated use program. |fwewant to encourage legitimate farming operations,the new Bill 43 establishes tighter controls to ensure that the operation is truly contributing tofood sustainability onthe Island. |toffers ashort term dedication program that should eliminate any need for a Community Food Sustainability assessment outlined in Bill 58. CM Evans made a good point about this program creating a substantial workload for the RPT office. |'m puzzled as to why someone who is legitimately producing food products can't simply apply for the short term dedicated use assessment. It would greatly ease the process and allow the RPT office to phase out the non-dedicated use program totally. When passing regulating legislation, | think it's important that the Council consider the impact to admin staff in implementing and enforcing the new legislation. It's apparent from some of my personal experiences and involvement with County departments that many of our codes and regulations are not being fully enforced now. Much isprobably due tostaff shortage. I did receive an email thank you in response to my past testimony on Bill 44 from Mayor Roth. |nitheconcurred with my compliments about Lisa Miura and indicted that she and her team do the best they can with what they have.A reasonable implication is that she and her team are stressed already in administering the existing programs with limited staff and resources. I think it's crucial at this point to simplify the ag assessment program to ensue fair and consistent real property taxation for all property owners. Bill 58will only complicate and burden the RPT office more. |twill also open the door for more abuse. | urge the Council tovote noon Bill 58. Maha|ofor your time and consideration. Don Don Rudny KO. Box 1O6 PepeekeqH| A67Q3-0106 312-209-5870 �� 20,23 Ref. Date