HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-02-07 Letter to Henry J.C. Aquino and Troy N. Hashimoto HB 313 Relating to Fuel Tax FundsHarry Kim
Mayor
County of Hawai`i
Office of the Mayor
Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i 96740
(808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440
February 7, 2019
Representative Henry J.C. Aquino, Chair
Representative Troy N. Hashimoto, Vice Chair
COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORATION
Dear Chair Aquino, Vice Chair Hashimoto and Committee Members:
RE: HB 313 Relating to Fuel Tax Funds
I apologize for the lateness of this testimony, but I feel so strongly about HB 313 that I think it
is necessary that I share my thoughts with you.
My theory of taxation has always been that money should be raised on fairness and distributed
equitably based on need. Part of the greatness of Hawai'i is that we have long recognized this
principle. For instance, our early leaders established a statewide school system, so that (at least in
theory) a student in Ka`u and a student in Kahala have access to the same quality of public
education.
Likewise, this statewide shared responsibility has been honored, and should continue to be
honored, with respect to our roads and highways. Someone living in rural Kauai is not a second-
class citizen and should not have second-class roads. We are all in this together. The needs in
downtown Honolulu may be greater, and therefore more money may be spent there, but it is not
because the money is raised there; it is because the need is there.
We do not always live up to our ideals, but we should strive to retain our values at every
opportunity.
urge a no vote on HB 313.
Sincerely,
County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.