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Subject: Proposed property taxes ( - ~ Vice Pull I leader
From: "MBLANN" <blann@verizon.neV !~(j~~'"~ ~ ~ ~ Vice PrimaMc Version
Date: Sat, October 23, 2004 7:07 am
To: <akonishi@in[erpac.net>
Priority: Normal
Aloha Councilmembers,
I write regarding the Real Property tax issue.The tax schedule should (1) be
fair; (2) have
the appearance of being fair, and (3) in support of (1) and (2) be transparent and
easily
understood. I believe that in a progressive tax structure, this is accomplished by
making
the tax= (assessed valuation)* (rate/thousand). Once one begins to add bells and
whistles
in the form of exemptions with boundary conditions, (1)-(3) cease to be fulfilled.
The factor of two difference in rate/thousand between resident owners and part time
residents is a huge (and I think unfair) reward to residents; anything else seems
over-
the-top. Some have legitimately pointed out that many of our citizen-homeowners are
below the poverty level and need extra help. Then extra help may well be in order,
but the
real property tax schedule is an inefficient vehicle for administering social
welfare programs.
For this purpose, should it be an important issue, I suggest that all tax bills
receiving
the resident rate require a copy of the N-11. This will reduce erroneous claims by
part time
residents, and advise which residents are below a trigger income level. The county
may then choose
to send a check for up to the 200 or 400$ amount of current exemptions- but to those
who
need it based on income, not on assessed property value.
Some below the poverty level cannot buy homes; they must rent, paying to
reimburse the
landlord for the double tax rate/thousand being paid on a rental property. Perhaps
the credit
should also be paid to these individuals, if they are residents of Hawaii. This
would seem
fairer to me. I have not heard a good rebuttal to this approach.
Under the approach suggested herein, a larger share of taxes would clearly be
shifted to West Hawaii.
Because it would be done in a fair manner based on need, I believe that it would be
welcome
in West Hawaii. The bells and whistles of present proposals are seen as unfair,
manipulative,
and divisive. The time of divisive politics should be past in Hawaii County. Please
let our
County government work for fairness, openness, and transparency in legislation.
Respectfully,
Marshall Blann, Holualoa
Disclosure: I benefit from the resident rate and senior exemption. But I do not feel
that these are n
warranted or fair. S Y S
Comm. No. rrr---/// 1
Doa nload Ihis as a lilt Ref. TOe
Ref. Uate
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