HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0751.048 2014-2016 May 2, 2016
Council Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Aloha Council Member Onishi,
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I write to express my opposition to Bill 165 which would add a County CD
of Hawaii surcharge of one-half percent on top of the current 4.0 —"
General Excise Tax. w'T
I urge the County Council to reconsider and VOTE NO on BILL 165 this pz
Tuesday.
The GE Tax hurts those of us who are self employed on this island. I i"•'1
pay 4% GE Tax plus about 8% state income tax on my commission checks, T
plus my federal taxes - together about half of what I earn!
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Meanwhile, so many local contractors, land clearers, landlords and
vacation rentals, vendors and service providers, even some local
businesses, they work for cash, stuff their pockets with $100 bills and
laugh at those who are paying their public assistance and rent
subsidies. Tax fraud is rampant here on the Big Island.
Raising taxes on those who work for legitimate companies and file their
tax returns is the wrong answer.
What we need are businesses like Costco to open in Hilo to create jobs,
more airlines at Hilo airport, renew leases for the hotels and fix them
up, and help to collect taxes from the cash businesses and landlords
who are not paying their share of taxes.
Raising the GE Tax on those who file is biting the hand that feeds you.
Thank you for the opportunity to express my thoughts on this important
matter in advance of Tuesday's vote.
Mahalo,.
Mr. Kevin Lewis
908 Kumukoa St
Hilo, HI 96720-4029
(808) 895-4956
hiloagent@yahoo.com
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c°f. Date MAY Q 3 9n16