HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0722.077 2016-2018��Et/
Murashige, Laura G{� _UVI,1 I kw -P
From: L. M. Klungness <klungnesm001@hawaii.rr.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 07, 2018 1:11 PM ' p=: 53
To: Council Testimony
Cc: Russell Ruderman
Subject: Wheels on the Bus
"Aloha Councilmembers.
I am testifying as an individual in support of raising the GE tax 1/2% at this rare opportunity to do so. No one likes
tax increases, and I realize it takes courage and a good reason to support it. Many will say'this is a regressive tax
and harms poor people who cannot afford it.'
I urge you to recognize this important fact:
The lack of a functional, reliable public transportation system harms poor people many times more than a 1/2%
increase in GE.
To truly help the poor in our county, create a reliable convenient bus system. This is County kuleana to do so, the
County has failed the people in this important responsibility, and it is within your power to accomplish with this tax."
However, I think this tax increase should be tied to public transportation. This would insure that the transportation
needs of the largest Island in the State of Hawaii will be met. Not limited to bus transportation only, the legislation
should include expenditure of funds for other transportation needs. Such as completing an alternate access road to
lower Puna to prevent another incident of nearly losing all transportation and utilities because of unpredictable lava
flow. Having more buses would not solve the problem of getting out of and to the lower Puna if the road is buried by
lava.
Sincerely,
Lester Michael Klungness
18-4133 Komo St.
Mountain View, HI 96771
808-968-6789
1 lief. ®ate