HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0817.038 2008-2010Murashige, Laura 2ES _ / 1-1 U ICL1ti1 kJ �S17
From: Dan Monck [dan @monck.net]
Sent: Thursday, May 27, 2010 4:57 PM
To: CouncilTestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Proposed County Property Tax increase
Dan Monck
Kailua -Kona
6/1/2010
1
Page 1 of 1
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The proposed property tax increase of 30% on 2 homes is a transparent attempt to once
again tax those who don't live here, and hence the thought being don't vote here. A safe tax
increase for politicians one would think. If you view the tax rate increase of 2 homes against
that of primary residences from 2004 to 2009, one will note a disproportionate increase of the
2 home tax rate.
The proposed 2 home increase for an additional 30 %, just doesn't stand the light of day test
when compared to that of resident (primary home) tax rates when these two tax rates are
compared.
Two points. First while a significant fraction of 2 homes on the west side of the island are
owned by non residents, many island residents own 2 homes here. By the way, we do
vote. The belief taxing 2 homes may be carried out without political risk is not only simple
minded, but also wrong.
Second point. If these metrics were to be used in a class action suit lodged in Federal courts
against the county as a clear measure /demonstration of its intent to tax residents of other
states merely due to their inability to vote here in Hawaii, the suit would like have a strong
argument since the evidence /numbers are so obvious and one sided.
Money is tight, costs have to be reduced and revenues may need to be raised. In the event
revenues have to be raised, tax increases, this should be done in a fair manner with everyone
shouldering their fair share of the burden.
SUN 0 7 2010