HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0751.003 2014-2016 P1Fc PUSLLG
Corim. 751
Murashige, Laura
From: Ritchie Henderson <ritchie@rinvest.com>
Sent: Saturday,April 16, 2016 2:35 PM
To: Eoff, Karen; Poindexter,Valerie; Chung,Aaron; Onishi, Dennis;Ilagan, Greggor; Paleka,
Daniel; David, Maile; Kanuha, Dru;Wille, Margaret
Cc: Council Testimony
Subject: BILL NO. 165 -Testimony
RSM, Inc.
1177 Kilauea Avenue J
Hilo Hawaii 96720
Saturday,April 16, 2016OD
Hawaii County Committee on Finance -_
Addressed to Individual Email Accounts
County Council t� ^
Hilo Hawaii 96720
Via Email
Subject: BILL NO. 165 Testimony
Dear Chair and Presiding Officer,Vice Chair and Council Members:
While the nature and origin of Bill (#165) is a direct result of a biased political referendum held on the Island of Oahu
some eight(8)years ago to build and construct what is now turning out to be the single costliest transportation public
works project undertaken in America, it should not be construed as an opening to impose, construct or create a
framework which envisions a revenue generating plan that was not properly approved by the people of the Island of
Hawaii.
As additional points please consider the following from the Hawaii Island Board of Realtors:
Why We Oppose the Proposed Increase to the GET
• The General Excise Tax, unlike sales tax, is applied to every economic activity imaginable. Any increase in the
General excise Tax is an increase to our cost of living as well as our cost of doing business.
• The added tax to the price of goods and services that go into building a house will increase.The impact to
affordable housing in Hawaii County should be "top of mind" when considering this measure.
• The GET is a regressive tax; it unfairly impacts those who earn less income.The State of Hawaii is ranked as
having the 15th "unfairest"tax system in the country.
I oppose this Bill No. 165 and request that you vote no to any increase to the General Excise Tax.
Sincerely yours,
Richard Henderson II Comm: No. 151.5
Ref. To: ft Pc.
CC: Hawaii Island Board of Realtors—Government Affairs Committee Ref. pope_APR 1 Mfg
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