HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-02-08 Mayor Harry Kim's Testimony re SB 703Harry Kim
Mayor
Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
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(Offirr of#heAnVor
25 Aupum Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 e (808) 961-8211 . Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Bldg C . Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
(808) 323-4444 . Fax (808) 3234440
February 8, 2017
Senator Glenn Wakai
Economic Development, Tourism and Technology
Senator Karl Rhoads
Water and Land
Senator Clarence Nishihara
Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs
Hawai'i State Capitol
Honolulu. HI 96813
Dear Chairs Wakai, Rhoads, Nishihara, and Committee Members:
RE: SB 703
Thank you for this opportunity to comment on SB 703.
There is no question that visitors can impact the quality of life of Hawaii
residents, by straining the State's infrastructure and natural resources. We certainly also
agree that the counties play an important role in protecting and enhancing Hawaii's
infrastructure and natural resources, which are crucial in providing a positive visitor
experience.
For those reasons and others, we feel justified in advocating at every opportunity
that a greater portion of the Transit Accommodations Tax be allocated to the counties.
As to the exact means for accomplishing that increase to the counties, we defer to the
wisdom of this Legislature.
pectfully submitted,
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Harry Kimv
Mayor
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer