HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-02-13 Mayor Harry Kim's testimony re HB 317 JMjYOF##
p,.•��� +,, Wil Okabe
• *116.‘
digr Managing Director
Harry Kim •: �"r• � =+
Mayor = ,t
Barbara J.Kossow
4 T °'e• - Deputy Managing Director
• Eor %4
t f rr of filraitagar
25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo,Hawai`i 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Me Keohokalole Hwy.,Bldg.C • Kailua-Kona,Hawaii 96740
(808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440
February 13, 2017
Representative Richard Onishi
Tourism Committee
Hawai'i State Capitol
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Onishi and members:
RE: HB 317
Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of HB 317.
Given Hawaii County's limited resources (and seemingly unlimited needs), we
are fortunate that the Legislature has allowed the counties to share in the TAT. The TAT
is a vital revenue source in balancing our budget, and we thank you for it.
Since the State and the counties serve the same constituents, it is important that
we continue to work as partners in meeting the needs of our communities. As demand
for services is ever increasing (and so is the cost of those services), it is equally
important that revenue be appropriately shared so that the demands can be met to the
best of our collective ability.
Although I could hope for even more, HB 317 seems to be a reasonable division
of revenue among the various parties that are looking for a piece of the TAT pie. HB
317 recognizes that there should not be a cap on the counties' share, and that without
TAT, the counties would be forced to raise property taxes and/or reduce services to
levels that most would find unacceptable.
I urge you to approve HB 317.
Res ectfully submitted,
Harry Kim
Mayor
County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.