HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0641.003 2010-2012 Page 1 of 1
Murashige, Laura Pirc?
From: KONASOAP @aol.com r 7
Sent: Monday, April 02, 2012 2:48 PM
To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us '
Subject: Testimony regard Communication 641
Aloha Hawaii County Council Members:
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I have owned my farm in Holualoa since 2003. I made the commitment in 2004 to sell my business and o
residence in California and move to my farm full time. Kokoleka Lani Farms is a bio-diverse farm where we grow Cacao, 100% Kona Coffee, Citrus, Papayas, Bananas, Pineapples and tropical flowers
for our enjoyment.
I applied for and was granted secondary farm status in 2005 to build a second residence on my AG -5
land. My farm is fee simple and was once part of the Tanaka Quarry. We have taken pride to bring the
land back to it's original state through mulching and sustainable farming. I am also a partner and
soapmaker in the Kona Natural Soap Company LLC.
In 2009, I realized that a commercial property in California that I owned was no longer of interest to me
because my focus and home was Hawaii Island. I chose to sell that property and perform a 1031 tax
exchange for a home at Keauhou Bay. I engaged my family to invest in a renovation that would be
bring pride to me and enhance an already beautiful neighborhood.
I received the first tax bill which reflected a residential rate at$9.10 per$1000. The property
description was incorrect with 4 baths.instead of 3. The tax office explained that I could appeal on the
following year and the rate would go down.
The prior owner had a tax rate of$1700 (including a homeowners exemption). This man has lived in
Arizona for the past seven years and his tax bills were sent there as well. My first year's taxes were
$6,600. I was upset because this home is now a vacation rental where I pay GET and TAT as well as
employ a management company (Kona Coast Vacations).
My request is that if someone lives within the county and makes an investment for either a second
home, vacation rental or long term rental;some rate"should be determined between the $5.50
homeowners rate and the$9.10 residential rate.
In closing, my investment is in my community. This should be considered when property taxes are
assessed.
Mahalo---GREG COLDEN (808) 322-4075 home 78-6749 Mamalahoa Highway, Holualoa, HI 96725,
vacation rental 78-7.106 Kamehanieha Iff Road; Kailua=Kona, HI 96740
Comm. No. C) 3
Ref. To: L
Ref. Date AP 0.3 z -
4/2/2012