HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0722.049 2016-2018From: Kristina Anderson I' `2 U {{- ! i"pp {�
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To: Council Testimony
Subject: Oppose 108 Raise the GET r .
Date: Tuesday, February 20, 2018 12:07:15 PM
I wish to go on record to adamantly oppose the proposal to raise the county general excise tax. As you know, we had
two increases last year, as well as a raise in the TAT. Enough is enough. The citizens of this county have had
enough of the tax and budget burdens being placed on us. The GET is a regressive tax on EVERYTHING... Food,
medical care, the dentist, the vet, food, rent, everything. That is already a heavy burden for hardworking families of
this county. And no, I don't buy for a second that the visitors will pay most of it. That is a tried and true tale that is
trotted out every time they want to raise our taxes. WE pay it. We are here 24-7, 365. Visitors are only here a short
time and leave.
I am nearing retirement age and all my expenses go up annually but my income does not. Four tax raises in under
six months is ENOUGH.
The county seems to be taking the lazy way out by just proposing to raise tax when confronted with a budget crisis.
Yes, benefits and wages are the reason. But I believe the counties should take a much firmer stance on receiving
their share of the TAT. Tourist dollars spent on this island need to stay on this island. They impact our parks,
airports, roads and infrastructure. The neighbor islands have always been the stepchildren of Oahu. It's time to stop
giving in to Oahu.
Why not tax out of state real estate buyers at 80%? There has to be some other place to make up this deficit!
For the record, I live in a rural area. We don't have` county trash, municipal water, sewer service or very good roads
out here. So it hurts to be paying way more for services that we are not even a part of.
I oppose 108, and urge all in the council to vote no.
Kristina Anderson
Captain Cook, HI 96704
COMM. No. ��2• ��
Ref. To: GAoA-
Ref. Date FES 2