HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-02-05 Letter to Richard H.K. Onishi re HB 2266 Relating to Adjusting and Earmarking Counties' TAT revenueHarry Kim
Mayor
Gunfg of ainni`i
Wit Okabe
Managing Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
®ffire of flip Attgor
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February 5, 2018
Representative Richard H.K. Onishi, Chair
Committee on Tourism
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 429
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Onishi and Committee Members:
Re: HB 2266 Relating to Adjusting and Earmarking Counties' TAT
Revenue
Hearing Date: 02/06/18 — 8:30 am; Conference Room 429
Please accept this testimony in opposition to HB 2266.
The proposal to dictate specific uses of the TAT would seriously undermine
home rule. Both State and county officials are pledged to serve our constituents to the
best of our abilities, and the counties can best do their parts if they are allowed to
exercise reasonable discretion in how to spend the limited resources available to them.
One additional specific objection to HB 2266 is that it allows for a re -allotment of
TAT funds, by putting in play the percentage allocation to be received by each county.
This could serve to pit one county against another and would be unfortunate, to say the
least. Up to this point, the counties have been united in their belief that the total
allocation to the counties should be changed (Le., increased) but that the percentage of
the allocation for each county should not be tampered with. That remains the position of
Hawaii County and, as far as I know, the position of the other counties as well.
Please do not act favorably on HB 2266.
Resp ctfully submitted,
Harry Kim
Mayor, Cot(nty of Hawaii
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.