HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0958.017 2016-2018 COUNcil P(
June 13, 2018 Oa I D1 ..
COQ obS o
co
Honorable Valerie Poindexter, Chair
Karen Eoff,Vice Chair
. o <
Councilmembers Chung, David, Kanuha, Lee Loy, Ohara, Richards, Ruggles "Tic
25 Aupuni Street rn
Hilo, HI 96720 y�
.e1 —
Re: Support of Bill 159
I am submitting written testimony in strong support of Bill 159 because I will not be able to
attend the hearing on June 18, 2018.
Our island is experiencing a major crisis, and although nobody wants to raise taxes, we need to
look at our island as a whole and implement measures to ensure the County's ability to
maintain its services while taking care of its citizens who have suffered as a result of this
ongoing lava flow.
It is also prudent to have another source of revenue instead of relying solely on property taxes.
In my role as Immediate Past Chair of the Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau, I have seen figures
that our tourists contribute greatly to our island's economy,thus will help contribute to this tax
in a very positive manner.
Personally, I have maintained a rental unit on Oahu and have to pay my G.E.T. every six months.
There is a separate calculation that is required for the additional .5%, which is very nominal.
Those of us that are in Oahu for business and leisure don't even notice this additional tax.
Although I am writing in support of Bill 159, I am in strong support of a .5% increase instead of
only a .25% increase.
Sincere)
/r.
. rchi
33' Launa Street
Hilo, HI 96720
cc: Honorable Harry Kim, Mayor
Deanna Sako, Director of Finance
Stewart Maeda, County Clerk (���•I�
Comm. No `1
Ref.To: P l COMM
Ref. Dote JUN 1 4 2018