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~tY OF <br /> ~L~ <br /> <br /> Harry Kim Dixie Kaetsu <br /> E. <br /> Mayor Managing Director <br /> ~"K'g;•N:+~ Peter L. Hendricks <br /> Deputy Managing Director <br /> ~ountp of ~atvai`i <br /> 25 Aupuni Street, Room 215 Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4252 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 <br /> KONA. 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite l03 • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 <br /> (808)329-5226 Faz (808)326-5663 <br /> August 2, 2004 <br /> The Honorable Aaron Chung, Chairman, and <br /> Members of the Committee on Finance ~ ~ " <br /> r c. ~ <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> 25 Aupuni Street <br /> ej <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 - <br /> Re: Bill No. 49, Draft 3 n- <br /> Dear Chairman Chung and Committee Members: <br /> Thank you very much for placing this bill on the agenda for discussion and consideration. <br /> Attached for your review and consideration is a proposed Draft 3, which is discussed below. <br /> However, since it has been over 18 months since this bill was first introduced, a brief review <br /> of its background and intent follows. <br /> Purpose and goals <br /> The purpose of this bill is not to increase tax revenues for the County. The purpose is to make <br /> our real property tax system fairer, to support the agriculture industry through property tax <br /> incentives, and to close loopholes that enable some non-farmers to take advantage of tax <br /> provisions intended to help the agriculture industry. Because of the complexity of our tax <br /> laws, we must be very diligent to make sure that any changes do not inadvertently have a <br /> negative impact on those who should benefit from them. <br /> While working on this proposal,~the guiding principles or goals of the County regarding <br /> agriculture were held to be: <br /> 1) Keep prime agricultural land in agricultural use; <br /> 2) Encourage new agricultural uses; <br /> 3) Return agricultural lands to agricultural use; <br /> 4) Promote agriculture industry/employment; <br /> 5) Promote equitable taxation; and <br /> 6) Promote General Plan goals/policies. <br /> It is the intent of Bill No. 49 Draft 3 to help implement these goals. ~ ~ O <br /> Comm. No. C <br /> JI l~ ~ ~ • 3 Ref. To: Preuaf <br /> Ref. Dote <br /> Hawaii County is an equal opportunity provider and employer. <br /> <br />