HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0962.006 2018-2020 UAMAA&:Aft�
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RESORT ASSOCIATION
COUNTY CLERK I
.lune 1, 2020 COUNTYCIF RAWAII
RECEIVED
Aaron Chung, Chair Time
Hawaii County Council gate JUN 0 1 2020
Hawaii.County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
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Comments on Hawaii County Real Property Taxes for Fiscal 2020-2021
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Dear Chair Chung and Members of the Hawaii County Council, I
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on real property tax rates and collections for fiscal year 2020-2021,on
behalf of the Kohala Coast Resort Association.(MCRA).
We appreciate that no increases are being proposed for the hotel/resort class. We would like to encourage you to f
extend the collection timeframe for 2020-2021 beyond August 20,2020(for the first half of the year), We would
encourage you to defer the collection of all hotel/resort taxes until the second payment date,February 20.2021.
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With the tourism industry completely suspended since mid-March, it has been a serious financial challenge to maintain
baseline operations. We have furloughed more than 90%of our workforce.During the last three months, we have been 4
working diligently to provide food resources,support for navigating the unemployment claims process, and maintain
health insurance for our furloughed employees,and their families. KORA members currently pay$3,650,000/month
in health insurance premiums for 4,600 furloughed employees,whose plans cover nearly 20,000 island residents.
We also urgently request that the Hawaii County Council,Mayor Kim,and the administration work closely with
Governor David Ige and the State of Hawaii to create a comprehensive plan for reopening the tourism economy. t
Tourism is one of our island's primary economic drivers.KCRA members annually pay$20 million in GET, $20
million in TAT and nearly$11 :million in property takes.Let's work collaboratively to reopen this important segment
of our economy, in a way that is safe and provides the necessary resources for our vibrant community.Mahalo.
Sincerely, r�
Stephanie Donoho
Administrative Director
Kohala Coast Resort Association
PO Box 6991,Kaniueia, F11 96743'(808)747-5762'kohalacoastresor ssr:4��manrr#m
Comm. No. L'
Ref. o: P mow!
Ref.tote JUN 2020