HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0370.001 2004-2006
08/01/2005 09:33 8088856514 PAr_.K,SHIP© DEPOT PAGE Pl
August t, 2005
Hawaii County Council i.~U '
Committee on Finance
RE: Testimorry on Resolution 183-05, Commun~ogiion 370, Compromise of Real Property Taxes
Owed. TMK (3) 8-5-001-057
Dear Council Members.
I am a concerned Waimea rasitlerrt in opposition to this cornpromise- While I am very appreciative
of Cal-Tech's purchase of the property preveMirg ilia 21-hour gas station and convenience store
from being buiN on the sde, I do not think their taxes should tx refunded and retroactive
exemption be approved for the foNowing reasons:
1. They ditl not file the exemption in a timely manner. Other non-profit organizations
and us regular homeowners are not forgiven for this oversight.
2. The property has been vacant and unused from the Ome gley purchased it, therefore
it does not qualify under seGion 19-77 of lire County Code used exGusively for non-
profrt purposes" and 19-77(D)(1)(B) 'property exempt from taxation under this
paragraph is IimNed to bw7dings for educational purposes (including dormitories),
housing owned by the school or college an6 used as residence for personnel
employed a[ the school or wltege campus and athletic grounds, and realty used for
vocational purposes incident to the schoo? or college". Dld iha real property tax
people inspect this property before coming up with this resolutian?
3. Passage of this resolution wIN SerW a negathre message to those of us whom follow
the laws set forth in the County Code and set a precedent for future claims of the
same nature.
My suggestions:
a Cal-Toclr file for the exempbon by Daoember 31'r, of the year it actually puts the
property into use for the wliege as required in Hawaii County Code section
19-uS(a)(1) "None of the exemptions from taxation granted in sections 19-78 to 19-78
and 19.89.2 shah be albwed in any case, unless the claimant shall have filed wNh the
department of finance, on or before December 31 pretxYAng the tax year for which
such exemption is Gaimed.
2. Cal-Tech dedicate to property for public use or
3. Cal-Tech lease the parcel to the County for public use forihe required amount of time
with the option of canr~lirg the lease at anytime with due ratios.
4. County Council charge the County Code to apow exemptions for all properties
owned b1r non-profd oyanezations whether or not the property is used for the non-
profit organization's mission.
I urge the Council not to approve this resolutiol. 11's just not fair to the rest of tt5 law abiding
taxpayers.
Thank you for having the County Code on line.
Sinwrely.
Goncemetl Taxpayer
U
Zcu,~,~ G~'~%k~~
Comm. No.
Ref, To: Prs>tea! •
Ref, Date