HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0926.016 2018-2020 s
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COMMM2(l
Margaret M. Kent
COUNTY CLERK
May 12, 2020 COUNTY OF HAWAIII
RECEIVED
Dear Government Affairs Committee: Time 11:45 Q
MAY 1 2 2020
RE: Proposed Real Property Tax Increase nate
I am writing to voice my opposition to Mayor Kim's proposed plan to increase real property
taxes on non-resident properties valued above$2,000,000. 1 have been coming to the Big Island
since 1977, and I have owned property on the island since 1992. 1 own a home at the Hualalai
Resort, and spend as much time as possible on the Big Island.
I am appalled at Mayor Kim's proposal to significantly raise my property taxes, which are
already too high given that Kona and the resorts on the west side of the island are supporting a
disproportionately high percentage of the county's funding.
I am not one of those people who comes to Hawaii and owns a big house but does not participate
in island activities. My two children attended Hawaii Preparatory Academy, and one is now at
UH Manoa. I have for a number of years contributed significantly to the Hawaii Performing
.Arts Festival,both monetarily and by contributions of my time and efforts. The Hawaii
Performing Arts Festival, which lasts for approximately two months in the summer and hosts
fund-raising events during the remainder of the year, brings in faculty, students,performers and
guests from the mainland US and a number of countries, and offers programs including
scholarships for local students, is an asset to the island both economically and culturally.
Mayor Kim's proposal is a disgrace to the Aloha Spirit that Hawaii claims to have and hold dear.
I understand that these are trying times given the effects of the COVID-19 containment efforts
on the state's and county's economy,but to further tax those who are already taxed excessively
simply because they do not have a large local voice is extremely unfair and will do long-term
damage to the businesses that employ large numbers of people on this island, including,
especially,the tourism industry.
Thank you.
Yours truly,
Margaret M. Kent Richard Meschke
Comm. No '1 •� _
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Ref. Date MAY 1202