HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0958.012 2016-2018 • gyp1 SPECCOWJ
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Cain . 6158
Murashige, Laura
From: Aaron Stene <aaron@aaronstene.net>
Sent: Friday,June 22, 2018 1:14 PM
To: Baez,Wendy; counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov.; Kanuha, Dru; Poindexter,Valerie;
Chung,Aaron; Lee Loy, Sue; Ohara, Eileen; Ruggles,Jennifer; David, Maile; Richards, Tim
Cc: Eoff, Karen
Subject: Bill 159 Reconsideration Testimony
Importance: High
Aloha Council Chairwoman Poindexter and Hawaii County Council Members,
I hope your reconsider Bill 159, which will enact a GET increase for Hawaii County, at the upcoming county
council meeting on June 29th.The county of Hawaii facing a dire budgetary crisis that will necessitate at least 5 million
dollars in cuts in the proposed county budget if this bill doesn't pass.
This isn't the appropriate time to make deep cuts to the budget, especially in light of the extraordinary events
that are ongoing in Puna.The people displaced by the lava destruction need help,which won't be coming if county is
forced to cut the budget.
The same extraordinary events in Puna are also affecting the economy island wide, which will likely impact
property values.This means the belt tightening won't be just a one time event.There is good chance the budgetary
issues could be worse going forward. I strongly believe the county should diversify its funding sources away from
property taxes and the TAT.
I hope you'll support the reconsideration of this proposed bill.
Sincerely,
Aaron Stene
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Aaron Stene aaron@aaronstene.net 808-333-0996
Comm. No.851)'I2
Ref.To: 11 council
1 , Ref. Date JUN 2 8 20