HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0751.059 2014-2016 Apr 30, 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 o. Q C�
of Hawaii surcharge of one-half percent on top of the current 4.0
General Excise Tax.
The mere existence of an excise tax is,a testament to the laziness of NJ
state lawmakers. An excise tax is a production tax, as opposed to a
consumption tax (sales) . When we were a state relying on Ag max+
production, this made sense as a sales tax would be a heavy burden on :4:.,11-71
the working class. In our current economy, the pyramid tax scheme of ••
the excise tax means that a 1/2% rise to the stated proposed GET of NJ
4.666% is effectively about a 16% total tax (SOURCE: TAX PYRAMIDING AND
EXPORTING IN HAWAII: AN INPUT OUTPUT ANALYSIS Richard Bowen and PingSun
Leung, January 1989, 630 US ISSN 0271-9916)
I know that our council can do nothing about there being an excise tax
instead of a sales tax. However, this is your opportunity to declare
that you ideologically oppose a tax which places a disproportionate
burden on the poor and working class families.
This is not "found" money like from Washington. This is
extracted money from the citizens of this county. Additionally, it's
earmarked for a specific purpose, which means that the council can not
use their discretion and spend the money where it is needed.
This money will be extracted from our economy and sent to companies
like Cat, and Hyundai for the capital expense for the companies doing
the work. It will go to mainland companies selling asphalt and other
necessities not produced in Hawaii.
Finally, while many of you run opposed this term, think about your next
election. We saw a lot of Super Pac money come in during the last
election. Do you really want every voter in your district to see a
postcard in their mailbox with your name and face, and your vote to
increase the tax on the working class voters?
Thank you for the opportunity to express my thoughts on this important
matter in advance of Tuesday's vote.
Mahalo,
Mr. Michael Drutar
75-6009 Alii Dr Apt Y2
Kailua Kona, HI 96740-4394
mikedrutar@yahoo.com
Comm. No.
Ref.
Ref. To: 91C-ei
Ref. Dote IAA 0 3 2016