HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0958.013 2016-2018 P 5 PECrrat_
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The coconut wireless reports that advocates for raising Hawaii Island's GE tax claim it i -<.-4
necessary in order to preserve current benefits for the homeless, impoverished, and others whor�ecei '
County assistance, especially in this time of crisis caused by the volcano eruption..
Some of us commend Mr. Schoenherr for his letter(June 28,Your Views),which madec®ounM
arguments for spreading the extra costs more broadly instead of targeting renters and those whose
expenses for basic needs like food already bear the burden of the GET and whose household costs
would increase 1 July 2018 (next Sunday) if the GET increase bill is passed.
What consideration has the Council given to raising other taxes, such as property taxes, which
would apply the burden to all those who own property? Hawaii's property tax rates compared with
those of other states are among the lowest in the country. (Check"property tax by state"online.)
Why should Hawaii County's lowest-income citizens have to face the same higher costs of
living as those in higher tax brackets in order to help pay the full tab for emergency and shelter services
for volcano evacuees? Regressive tax policy like this hurts most those who can least afford to pay
more. (See hitaxfairness.org.)
Nan Sumner-Mack,Hilo
Comm. No.
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Ref. Date UN 2 9 2 018