HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0926.022 2018-2020 i
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COWAX
COUNTY CLERK
May 8, 2020 COUNTY OF HAWAIII
RECEIVED
Dear Government Affairs Committee, Time 10:10
Re: Proposed Real Property Tax Increase DateY 1 2
This letter is to voice my opposition to Mayor's Kim's proposed plan:to increase real
property taxes on non-resident properties valued above two million dollars. As an
island-born native and active realtor in the State of Hawaii for more than 32 years,
I feel uniquely qualified to voice an opinion on this matter.
Real property tax rates for these property owners are already at$1.1.10 per $1,000,
and increasing the rate to $14.50 per$1,000 would be an astounding 31%increase!
I'd like to remind our County leadership that these property owners don't live on-
island full-time and as a result, utilize very few County services, while employing
thousands of local residents to improve, maintain, and manage their properties,
in addition to contributing to local employment in retail, restaurant,and a broad
base of services.
Aside from the economic benefits,these owners provide large charitable donations
to local foundations. As an example, Hualalai Resort employs over 1,200 island
residents. The owners within Hualalai truly appreciate these 1,200 plus employees
and have demonstrated their appreciation by forming the Hualalai Ohana
Foundation. bt�Lsuai laLc hanafoundatio org. This foundation was
established to provide educational, medical, and financial support to families
employed and self-employed in Hualalai Resort.
Kukio Resort has a similar foundation htt ; www.ku o.cq n u'kio-cor muni -
fund.htmi. Combined, in 2010 alone these two resorts have raised over$1,500,000
for qualified Hawaii Island residents in need.
The generosity of these owners continues with one goal in mind, to help those
employees in need. Increasing owner's tax rate by 31% is not the way to show
appreciation and Aloha to those who love this island and the people they employ.
Where many island residents rely on work within these resorts, creating an
environment where these owners are disproportionally taxed, risks job losses and
decreased property values as these owners decide it's time to leave the island.
Comm. No.
Ref.T ® P
to IAY A 3 202ii
I hope that our HawAH"IsIand leaders can identify a more broad based formula for
balancing the*'budget` in the near term. And long term, abandon the No, Growth
attitude stifling this island's financial nahcial health by limiting good paying jobs and
attendant tax revenues.
Taking the easy way out by raising taxes on the very people who contribute to the
sustainability of our island's economic well-being is not the answer.
With Warmest Aloha, Nor an
Ike Nor an Stu rd