HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0817.011 2008-2010Yoshimoto, J
From JeriPam @aol.com - 1
Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2010 4:15 PM
To: phoffmann @co.hawaii.hi.us; jyoshimoto @co.hawaii.hi.us; bford@co.haw0'g1..Wi
F °
Subject: property taxes
We have followed the property tax increase with interest as we own a second home (condo) on the
west side of the Big Island. Contrary to what appears to be the popular opinion on the county board,
we are not rich! My wife just retired so we are now living on social security and what the recession did
not take of my retirement account.
We purchased our condo with the hopes of the condo being our retirement home. However, due to
some medical problems that surfaced last year, combined with the status of medical care on the
island, those plans have been put on hold. Hopefully, things will change in the next few years that will
allow us to follow our dream. We do not rent our condo. Until we follow our dream, it is for our use or
the use of our friends and family.
Though we are not on the island part of the year, we contribute to the economy of the island the entire
year. We pay for utilities and condo association fees every month. The association fees help to keep
people employed. We, also, pay a monthly fee to someone on island to watch over the condo. Though
we do not use the county services (roads, etc) the entire year, we currently pay more in property taxes
than those homeowners that reside on the island. The reasons we have no homeowner exceptions. If
we lived on the island, our current property taxes would be considerably lower than we now pay. If
Mayor Kenoi's tax increase is passed, the difference for those without homeowners exemptions will
increase.
Unfortunately, the economic conditions have resulted in all property loosing a lot of it's value. The
value of second homes has dropped just as much as resident's homes. Thus, the Mayor's proposed
tax increase, discriminates against those who own second homes.
I feel there are still items that can be cut from the budget. Look at un- funding unfilled positions, cutting
unnecessary services (such as the band) and making people pay for the services they use (the bus,
golf subsidies (I am a golfer), etc). I am sure a close look at the budget can produce more cuts that can
be made before raising property taxes.
Tom Mansfield
6/7/2010
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Ref. Date, JUN 10 2010