HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0989.009 2016-2018 PI COUNCIL
COUNTY CLERK COLLwj.
COUNTY OF HAWAII
STATE OF HAWAII 7111$ -5 8: 13
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
TESTIMONY ON COUNTY OF HAWAII BILL NUMBER 165, AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING CHAPTER 19, ARTICLE 10, OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983
(2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO REAL PROPERTY TAX
EXEMPTIONS FOR DISABLED OR UNEMPLOYABLE VETERANS
PRESENTATION TO THE
COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII
BY
MR. RONALD P. HAN, JR.
DIRECTOR OF THE STATE OFFICE OF VETERANS SERVICES
September 4, 2018
Aloha Council Chair Poindexter and Council Vice Chair Eoff, and Council members of the
County of Hawaii:
I'm Ron Han, Director of the State Office of Veterans Services. I appreciate this
opportunity to provide written testimony in support of County of Hawaii Bill 165.
This bill amends Chapter 19, Article 10, of Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 edition, as
amended), relating to real property tax exemptions for disabled or unemployable
Veterans.
With over 121,000 Veterans residing in the State of Hawaii of which 3,075 (Source:
Veterans Affairs (VA) State Summary) are VA 100%disabled rated, those who are eligible
and reside in the County of Hawaii will be able to utilize this property tax exemption
pursuant to qualifying and eligible documentation verified by the VA. Compensation for a
VA rated 100% Disabled Veteran is approximately $3,000 per month. Many in this 100%
category are totally and permanently disabled and are physically, and in some cases,
mentally incapable of qualifying for any other type of employment. Veterans who receive
this compensation without any other offset from pensions and/or entitlements previously
earned find it very challenging to provide for themselves and their families in one of the
highest cost of living environments in the Nation.
These VA 100% disabled rated Veterans incurred lasting service connected wounds and
disabilities while serving in their respective military service component and specialty. The
County of Hawaii's continued recognition and support in measures such as this one
provides a lasting tribute to these Veterans who have protected, sustained liberty and
freedom and enabled us to live freely in this great State and Nation.
Thank you for this opportunity to offer my comments and for your unwavering support for
our Veterans and their loved ones.
Comm. No. `7 64•q
Ref.To: PI council
Ref. Date SEP 0 5 2018