HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 039 04/05/2011 2010-2012 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: April 5, 2011 Re: Comm. No. 134
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawai`i
TIME: 3:30 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Communication 134, reports as follows:
Communication 134, transmitted by Mayor William P. Kenoi, dated March 14, 2011, nominates
Michael D'Amico to the County of Hawai`i Real Property Tax Board of Review.
A 35 -year resident of Hawaii, Mr. D'Amico was employed from 1996 to 2010 as a real property
appraiser with the County of Hawaii Department of Finance. Mr. D'Amico states he is not
affiliated with any political party. If confirmed, he will serve a term to expire on December 31,
2015, replacing Harold Murata whose term expired on December 31, 2010
Several members of Your Committee are concerned about the perception received from the
public in having a former tax appraiser, employed by the County of Hawaii, serving on this
board. It was mentioned that the public coming in to appeal the assessed value of their property
may feel that the very people that decided the assessed amount are those hearing and deciding
upon the appeal.
Finance Director Nancy Crawford came forward and spoke in favor of the appointment. Both
she and Mr. D'Amico reminded Your Committee that there are currently former employees of
the Real Property Tax Division on the board. It was mentioned that these employees are
professionals, with valuable skills and knowledge to add to the board, and that they are aware of
the different "hat" they will be wearing. Members clarified that the merit of the nominee is not
in question, the only concern is the perception received by the public.
Pursuant to Section 19 -96, Hawaii County Code, there shall be a Real Property Tax Board of
Appeals for the County, consisting of five members, appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by
the County Council.
For informational purposes, Ms. Smart voted "kanalua" twice, and Mr. Hoffmann voted
"kanalua" then "no."
Your Committee specified that Mr. Di'Amico must attend the meeting of the full Council at final
confirmation.
FC Rept. No.: 39
FC -39 Page 2 April 5, 2011
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Communication 134, and
recommends confirmation of the appointment of Mr. Michael D'Amico to the County of Hawai`i
Real Property Tax Board of Review.
dkr
AYES NOES A &E EX Respectfully submitted,
BLAS X
FORD x COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
HOFFMANN X
IKEDA X
ONISHI X
Ar2-7.-14-- 9c-171,..0
PILAGO X
SMART x BRENDA FORD, CHAIR
YAGONG X FC REPORT NO. 39
YOSHIMOTO x ADOPTED: APR 2 0 1011