HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0722.076 2016-2018From:
HAROLD MURATA
To:
Council Testimony
Subject:
Bill 102 Draft 2
Date:
Monday, February 19, 2018 1:40:31 PM
February 19, 2018
Harold Murata
PO Box 1752
CTI
Ca
Kealakekua, HI 96750
N
County Council Chairperson and Members
25 Aupuni Street
s
Hilo, HI 96720
Subject: Bill 102 Draft 2
The County of Hawaii has proposed Bill 102 Draft 2. There has been public meetings
at various locations and a.hearing is scheduled on February 20, 2018 in West Hawaii
Civic Center. If this proposal becomes County law, the revenue will provide funding for
improving the County transportation infrastructure system.
Some opinions say yes. It would fund improvements necessary to sustain public
transportation facilities and operation of the system. It would free up monies in the
General Fund.
Some say no to the tax increase. They say it is regressive rather than progressive or
equitable.
Is the issue a simple yes or no answer? After understanding the implications, one can
personally say yea or nay to the County Council.
I have heard at the Yano Hall meeting, attendees complain about roads not being kept
up. I have heard complaints about inadequate public bus service.
I have heard an attendee mock and lampoon about salary enhancements of the Mayor
and his Directors.
I have heard attendee complaints about people not paying required land use taxes
such as Bed and Breakfast or vacation rentals fees.
These assertions tells me there are problems of budget administration or priorities and
equitable revenue collection and disbursements.
The passage of Bill 102 would not assure that mobility and safety would be better. The
non passage would not necessarily make things worse.
Either way County policies and practices would have to be reexamined for purpose
and need conjunctively with the affected communities and ordinary citizens.
Either decision would mean I would adjust and cope with the impacts as a citizen and
consumer.
My hope is,that the incumbent members and successors of the Council and Executive
Departments not continue with the perceived paradigm of dysfunctional decision
making. Sincerely,
Harold Murata Ref, T®:
Kealakekua, HI Ref. Date FEB 2 fl _