HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 054 05/05/2009 2008-2010
REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: May 5, 2009 Re: Comm. No. 283/Bill No. 71
PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa
78-128 `Ehukai Street
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 3:30 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 71, reports as follows:
Bill No. 71, transmitted by Finance Director Nancy Crawford, via Communication No. 283 dated
April 23, 2009, amends Chapter 24, Article 4 of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005 Edition, as
amended), Vehicle and Traffic, relating to Fees. The purpose of this measure, which amends
Section 24-18, Motor vehicle tax; minimum tax; penalties for delinquency, is to change the calculation of
penalties for delinquent payment of vehicle weight tax from 10% of the amount due to flat fees of $8 for
vehicles taxed at the passenger car rate and $20 for vehicles taxed at the commercial rate.
The flat fee will simplify the calculation for the public and the Vehicle Registration and Licensing staff
and will result in more efficient operations. It is also the method used by all the other counties in this
state. The rate of $8 for vehicles taxed at the passenger car is approximately the same as the penalty
resulting from a 10% calculation. The rate of $20 for vehicles taxed at the commercial rate represents
a moderate increase over current penalty amount.
Councilmember Yagong asked Craig Masuda of Corporation Counsel if there were any legal issues with
the County charging these fees. Mr. Masuda stated that there is no constitutional violation associated with
this action.
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 71 and recommends it
pass first reading.
Sao
AYES NOES A&E Ex Respectfully submitted,
ENRIQUES X
FORD X COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
GREEN W ELL X
HOFFMANN X
IKEDA X
NAEOLE X~
ONISHI X DOMINIC YAGON CIR
YAGONG X FC REPO N0 54
YOSHIMOTO X ADOPTED: MAY 2 0 2009