HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0081.007 2018-2020 COMt4. 8
From: Mark Gordon
To: Council Testimony
Cc: Richards,Tim
Subject: Please Vote Against Bill 19-Further GET Increase
Date: Monday,February 11,2019 6:40:14 PM
Aloha All
Please see Revised Subject.Apologies for earlier email.
Please Vote Against Bill 19
Thanks = �`
Mark Gordon
On Mon, Feb 11, 2019 at 6:29 PM Mark Gordon <mark.gordon333@gmail.com>wrote: "4) p-4c
-men
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Aloha >t
The following are my comments and suggestions why another 0.25%GET should not be approved:
• Any proposed increase should Only be considered after the County Budget is prepared and reviewed by
Council
• The County should look at ALL areas to better manage costs before any further GET increase
• Our Island is probably the Island with the highest unemployment rates,lowest wages and many people living under
the poverty level. Having any Further GET increase would continue to Severely affect a large number of residents.
A tax increase affects All,people,regardless of economic situation
• An increase in Property taxes does not have as much negative effect on people's income versus a GET increase
which effects people everyday.
• The Sunset date should not be extended until 2030. County funds should be
reassessed at the end of the current sunset date of 2020.
• Increase the property tax rate for those who have second homes on Hawaii's Island and who are not full
time residents of the Island
• Increase resort and hotel property taxes.The U.S. economy is doing very well. I believe there would not
be an decrease in tourism if hotel/resort fees need to be raised. Guests to our Island know and are
willing to pay higher hotel/resort costs.
• • Increase the tax rate on vacation property rentals
• If needed, increase the tax rate on those property owners only paying the minimum property tax rate
• Increase the gas tax further
If additional County funds are needed I would support property tax increases versus any Further GET increase.
Please Vote Against Bill 19
•
Thanks for allowing me to share my comments, observations and suggestions.
Mark Gordon
Waikoloa, HI.
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Comm. No.
Ref. To: P unci
Ref. Date FEB(Co1 9 2 019l