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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0293.011 2016-2018 Murashige, Laura From: Albert Nakaji <waltz@hawaiiantel.net> Sent: Sunday, June 04, 2017 6:15 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Hawaii County Budget 2018-2019 Attachments: Statement On Hawaii County Budget 2018-2019.odt Please include my attached statement as formal testimony regarding the subject matter. I will not be able to attend the hearing in person. Thank you. Mark 11:23. "I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, 'May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart". Never tell me "No can", only tell me how can. There is an incredible number of people who are especially adept at the impossible. They can tell you a million and one reasons why something cannot, or should not, be done. Then, there are a few who will tell you how something can possibly be done. Would you prefer to live your life believing only impossibilities, or to live a life of possibilities? "Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain - and most fools do." Benjamin Franklin % c) Albert A. Nakaji '' Co 27-319 Kaieie Road --< �.n ©� Papaikou, HI 96781 ; rri m N -- Cann No- Ref. To: I Ref. Date JUN 0 5 211 1 Statement Relating To The Proposed Hawaii County Budget 2018-2019 Albert Nakaji June 5, 2017 Chairperson Poindexter, and members of the Hawaii County Council, thank you for this opportunity to comment on the proposed Hawaii County d et for fiscalyears 2018-2019. Myname is Albert Nakaji and I am a bug resident of Papaikou, having lived here all of my adult life. Generally speaking, I do not support increases in taxes upon residents of Hawaii County. Rather, I do support the conversion of government to operate in a more business-like manner (not to be confused with operating as a business in order to achieve profits), and to base budgets on performance, rather than historical appropriations. I also believe the practice of spending all money appropriated, in lieu of only funds needed, should be discouraged. It is well-known that departments try to spend all money appropriated for fear of not receiving equal, or increased, appropriations the following fiscal year. This is supposed to demonstrate actual "need". It does not, however, take into consideration changes that may occur during the fiscal year that may actually decrease expenses. On the other hand, it encourages needless spending. Additionally, it is strongly encouraged that Hawaii County increase its ability and priority to more aggressively pursue grants, increase the use of volunteers in order to reduce staffing needs/costs, and very actively create public-private partnership efforts in all areas. In order to do this, it is necessary for Hawaii County to enlist the help of knowledgeable and experienced business people for the purpose of identifying opportunities, as well as impediments, for businesses to thrive, especially as it relates to public projects or all sorts. I am in support of the intent of Council member Aaron S. Y. Chung's proposed amendment (Comm. 293-1), reverting the real property tax rate for FY 2018-2018 to the rates of FY 2016-2017, and g encourag in the Council and Administration to reduce the operating budget for FY 2018-2019 to be based on 2016-2017 real property tax rates. I am in support of public safety services, including police, fire, and the Prosecutor's office. In particular, I support the intent of Council Chair Valerie T. Poindexter's proposed amendment (Comm. 91 -36), providing for a Legal Clerk I position to the Prosecutor's office. With regard to Bill 3 5, increases in, and elimination of, the minimum tax is not supported. With regard to Bill 36, the intent seems to be to provide benefit to elderly property owners, the assumption being that elderly owners are on fixed incomes and should be given reduced rates in consideration of this. I submit that if the intent is to assist those who are on limited income and less able to afford "regular" rates, then the rates be adjusted such that they are based on income and not on age, per se. It is not true that all elderly are on fixed income, nor is it true that all elderly are of lower incomes. Oh the other hand, it is true that some elderly have greater incomes than younger property owners and are more able to afford higher property tax rates. While the intent of the bill is understandable and favorable, the application by age does not truly serve the intent. Lastly, consideration is asked for situations in which property owners, such as my wife, own property, but do not reside there. That property is occupied by her mother, rent-free. Were this not the case, her mother would likely be living in some kind of senior/affordable housing, built and paid for bygovernment. Mywife continues topaya mortgage on the property even though no income is generated from it. My guess is that there are others, perhaps many, in this same situation. Clearly, if costs become too high, the property will be sold, and her mother would then require government housing of some sort. The County can choose to assist individuals who try to provide for their families, or increase the need, and cost, of public housing. I submit that it is a much better "deal" for the County to do the former and enable the private sector to help this situation by making it easier rather than more difficult/costly.