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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0711.232 2008-2010June 7, 2010 J Yoshimoto, Chairman Hawai'l County Council 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 RE: Personal testimony in support of Mayor William Kenoi' 2010 -- 2011 County of Hawai'I Budget Dear Chairman Yoshimoto, Roberta F. Chu 478 Kipuni Street Hilo, HI 96720 I have listened to and observed how Mayor Kenoi has recently modified the County budget in light of the dramatic negative impact caused by the economic downturn in the U.S. What has transpired in the economy to date is a systemic downward correction which must be handled with a thoughtful and long -term perspective. I agree with Mayor Kenoi that public safety is first and foremost and his proposed real property tax adjustments are needed to keep the County viable in the long- term. There continues to be uncertainty in the world economy as exhibited in the fluctuating stock market due to the financial crisis in Europe. This uncertainty directly affects the United States and trickles down to Hawai'i Island as seen in the tourist and construction industry demise. There cannot be short-term solutions used to meet the County's operating budget. The recent budget amendments offered by various members of the Hawai'i County Council demonstrates the lack of understanding of how to cut the budget while preserving public safety and essential services. The proposal to cut critical public safety funding, including police and fire overtime budgets and funding for the contract to maintain the police and fire radio systems is unacceptable. Emergencies occur all hours of the day and night and proper response to these emergencies requires a properly functioning radio system as well as the appropriate police and fire personnel. The proposed Council plan to budget $4 million from the sale of surplus County lands in the year ahead is ill -timed given the poor real estate market. Current property sales are at prices set 4 years ago in certain areas of the island. The recent lack of offers for the Hamakua lands is an indication that interest is non- Coma Ingo, 1 ( l • 1 3 2 F of. Tot Ref. Date..ALM 00 existent and if so, at fire sale prices. The County needs to be prudent and delay such sales until the real estate market improves so tax payers can get a reasonable price for these publicly owned assets. In my eyes, the recent Council proposed amendments cause more problems than they solve. I believe Mayor Kenoi and the department personnel have spent many months developing a responsible and balanced budget which is $27 million less than the budget in effect when he took office. His proposed budget cuts are designed to preserve essential services and protect public safety while reducing County spending and number of employees. I hope the Council will act responsibly and approve the Mayor's budget which will reduce the size and cost of government while maintaining essential services and protect public safety. Respectfully submitted, Roberta Chu Concerned Individual