HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0751.051 2014-2016 Apr 30, 2016
Council Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
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Aloha Council Member Onishi, a`
I write to express my opposition to Bill 165 which would add a County --'=
of Hawaii surcharge of one-half percent on top of the current 4.0
General Excise Tax. '
While I recognize and appreciate the need to raise additional revenues 7'1_
for the County of Hawaii, I strongly believe the proposal is extreme
and would have an adverse and negative impact on Hawaii's hard working •• °r;- ..
families, homess, rentals, and our communities. PJ
CN
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
other forms of income.
General Excise Tax is applied to every economic activity imaginable. It
DOES apply at the wholesale level, to services, rent, interest,
commissions, and other forms of income.
A business that is making little or no profit pays little or no income
tax. In contrast, the General Excise Tax is imposed on every dollar
that the business takes in, even if there is no net profit after
expenses are paid.
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.
I urge the County Council to reconsider and VOTE NO on BILL 165 this
Tuesday.
Thank you for the opportunity to express my thoughts on this important
matter in advance of Tuesday's vote.
Mahalo, "
Mrs. Nanny Lorberbaum
PO Box 1402
Kealakekua, HI 96750-1402
c2lkona@gmail.com
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Comm.
No. 151. 61
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Ref. Date. *Fee'
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