HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0751.029 2014-2016 May 1, 2016
Council Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
•
Aloha Council Member Onishi, res
C-a
C.yCD
I write to express my opposition to Bill 165 which would add a County .. CI
of Hawaii surcharge of one-half percent on top of the current 4.0
General Excise Tax.
•
Dear Council members
My name is Nina M Hasler and I am a licensed tax accountant in Kailua
• Kona. I have been a tax accountant on this island for the last 8 years
and I service about 300 small businesses as well as individuals. NO
Ln
We have a lot of small businesses simply trying to survive. With the
economical challenges we experienced in the years of primarily
2009-2011, a lot of people were laid off (the employer, among other
things couldn't afford the dramatic raise of the state unemployment
tax) so people turned to small businesses as a way for them to generate
enough income to pay their bills. Other people were unaware of their
new "1099 status" with a considerably rude awakening when the
annual income tax returns were due.
Today, our economy is better but many people are still confused and
even afraid of the amplifications of being a small business owner. More
people are more comfortable with a weekly paycheck.
I believe that an additional raise of general excise tax could not only
harm the already fragile business community but even generate less
income for our county.
I believe that by lowering the general excise tax, the county could
inspire additional business growth which would then generate more
general excise tax. A win-win situation.
Currently a lot of business owners here express that the state is not
"on their side" and I truly believe working with the business
owners instead of applying more expenses (taxes) could help everybody.
Thank you for the opportunity to express my thoughts on this important
matter in advance of Tuesday's vote.
Mahalo,
Mrs. Nina Hasler
PO Box 1354
Kailua Kona, HI 96745-1354
info@nina-ea.com
comm: Na 191121
Ref. To: ±L
Ret. Dqte &MY 03 rt'