HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0751.007 2014-2016 May 2, 2016
Council Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Aloha Council Member Onishi,
I write to express my opposition to Bill 165 which would add a County r-a
of Hawaii surcharge of one-half percent on top of the current 4.0 `J
General Excise Tax. c. C on
While I recognize and appreciate the need to raise additional revenues - �k
for the County of Hawaii, I strongly believe the proposal is extreme t —i
and would have an adverse and negative impact on Hawaii's hard working
families, homeless, rentals, and our communities. 1Lry
The General Excise Tax is not like a sales tax. A sales tax only covers '
the final retail sale of goods -- it DOES NOT apply at the wholesale •• `—
level, nor does it apply to services, rent, interest, commissions or Ui
other forms of income.
Let's not forget Hawaii's General Excise Tax is regressive.
Lower-income families pay a larger percentage of their total income in
General Excise Tax than other families that may be proportionately
less.
Thank you for the opportunity to express my thoughts on this important
matter in advance of Tuesday's vote.
Mahalo,
Ms. Michele Paape
PO Box 385113
Waikoloa, HI 96738-0113
michele@michelepaape.com
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