HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0582.018 1996-1998
Hawaii Hotel Association gig Island Business Council Kona Board of Realtors
Hawaii Island Board of Realtors Kohala Coast Resort Association
Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce Hawaii Island Restaurant Association
Hawaii Island Contractors' Association 75-5737 KUAKINI HWY., #207 Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce
Hawaii Island Economic Development Board KAILUA•KONA, HAWAII 96740 Kanoelehua Industrial Area Association
Hawaii Island Portuguese Chamber of Commerce (808) 329-1758 FAX: (808) 329-8564 Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii
Mr. James Y. Arakaki .~tgC~ December 17, 1997
Chairman
Hawaii County Council fin.- J--aY----^"""'
25 Aupuni Street 1;-r,
Hilo, HI 96720 County Council
Re: Reso 185-97
Relating to Increase for HGEA units 3-4-63-84
Dear Chairman Arakaki and members of the Hawaii County Council:
My name is John Tolmie and I am a delegate to the Big Island Business
Council. Our President Tony Hanley has asked me to provide the
perspective of the Big Island Business Council on the resolution,
which at its' December 11, 1997 meeting voted to provide testimony
concerning the cost of government.
While the BIBC is not necessarily taking a position of action for
these particular bargaining units, the BIBC does have grave concern
about the escalating cost of government and its impact on the economy.
We applaud those Council members who had the fortitude to raise this
issue publicly. While we are sure that the parties bargained in good
faith, the results must be approved by those who are responsible to
the people of Hawaii County.
Escalating costs, particularly in the area of benefits for public
employees, must be paid for by the people of this county and the
State, through property taxes, share of the TAT and other fees.
The continuing economic downturn of the county, with decreased
property values, meaning less taxes; and potential decrease in the
share of TAT funds, raises questions as to where the money will
come from to pay the increased cost of our County government. Will
the county increase the property tax rate or institute an increase
in general excise tax, I would trust not. In private business,
while employees may deserve an increase in salary, it is the ability
to pay which is the governing factor.
We look to the public sector unions to partner with business and
government in seeking ways to boost our economy, so that all working
people, both public and private can see wage and salary increases.
In discussing this testimony with HGEA, we discover that the union
has instituted discussions with the Administration to seek ways of
improving efficiency and effectiveness of our County government and
we suggest to the Council and the Mayor, that you continue this dialogue
as a means towards improvement of our current economic situation.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
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