HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-09-11 Letter to Faith Yates re letter of 08-20-19 re taxes on 5-5-001-019-0000 //+YY Oi
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obi Managing Director
Harry Kim •4\ -��•
mayor Barbara J. Kossow
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25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo,Hawaii 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553
KONA 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
(808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440
September 11, 2019
Ms. Faith Yates
PO Box 190683
Hawi, HI 96719
Dear Ms. Yates,
Re: Letter dated August 20, 2019
TMK: (3) 5-5-001-019-0000
Thank you for your letter of August 20, 2019 regarding the increase in your real
property taxes. From reviewing your real property tax record, it appears you are
receiving a homeowner exemption and a lower agricultural land value (as compared to
the market value), and your property is in the agricultural tax classification. The
agricultural tax rate of$9.35 (per $1,000 of value) has remained the same since 2017,
however, the market value of your property has increased, which resulted in higher
taxes.
I did not support the raises for Department heads. Unfortunately, the Salary
Commission reviewed positions statewide and disagreed with me. Without the General
Excise and Fuel Tax increases, we would have needed to increase the real property tax
rates, which I continue to discourage. The increase in revenues in 2017 and 2018 did
not increase services as the County had an increase in liabilities, which were State
mandated and out of County control.
In 2019, the additional GE Tax increase is to also provide additional emergency
personnel as there has been a growing number of residents to our Island, with a
minimal increase in emergency personnel in the past. The County Departments have all
been submitting status quo budgets, and have cutback in areas to alleviate this tax
burden as much as possible on the public. We remain vigilant in the amount of staff the
County Departments increase by, as this adds to the cost of government.
County of Hawm-i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
Ms. Faith Yates
September 11, 2019
Page 2
In regards to the fire hydrant, I have contacted the Department of Water Supply
(DWS) and they do not have any plans to install a fire hydrant near your parcel due to
the current zoning. Per DWS there are existing fire hydrants near the Hawi Road and
Kynnersley Road intersection.
After speaking with Parks and Recreation, it was relayed to me that they have
spoken to you numerous times and continue to do their best to accommodate your
requests and maintain the facilities in Kohala to the highest standards.
Thank you very much for taking the time to write about your concerns.
Aloha,
/..7,
G\�
Harry Kim
MAYOR
c: Lisa Miura, Real Property Tax
Deanna Sako, Finance Director
Keith Okamoto, Dept. of Water Supply
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer