HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-02-15 Letter to Sylvia Luke re HB 2587 Relating to GET SurchargeElarry Kim
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Wil Okabe
Akmaging Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Alanagnig Director
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • HIo, 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
February 15, 2018
Representative Sylvia Luke, Chair
Committee on Finance
Hawan State Capitol, Room 308
Honolulu„ HI 96813
Dear Chair Luke and Con miftee Members:
Re: HB 2587 Relating to GET Surcharge
Hearing Dat- 02/16/18 4:00 pm; House Conference Room 308
Please accept this tesfimony in support of HB 2587 extending the opportuni
a county to add a surchar e to the State GET.
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As you may know, have been opposed to increasing the GET in Hawaii County
for as long as 1 have been Mayor. However, 1 have had to come to terms with the fiscal
vise that makes it nearly impossible to (1) balance our County budget, and (2) provide
the services that our communities need, without increasing our tax revenue. 1 therefore
have sent a proposal to our Council calling for the surcharge, and the County is in the
process of conducting public hearings around the island.
With March 31, 2018 rapi iy approaching, Hawaii County may need additional
time to make the difficult decision to adopt a surcharge. Therefore HB 2587 would be to
our benefit, and I ask that you give this hill your favorable consideration. September 30
should be plenty of time for us to make our decision, while also allowing the Department
of Taxation enough time to prepare appropriate forms for Calendar Year 2019.
Harry Kim
Mayor, County of Ha ail
CoAnty ol EIawaiis an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.