This is in response to the Real Property Tax Task Force (Task Force) letter to the Forum of March 7. As a member of the public, I sat in on all 28 sessions of the Task Force meetings. Its members
This is in response to the Real Property Tax Task Force (Task Force) letter to the Forum of March 7. As a member of the public, I sat in on all 28 sessions of the Task Force meetings. Its members are all dedicated, intelligent people who I complimented as such many times.
However, I take great exception to the characterization by the Task Force of me and other members of Ohana Kauai (Ohana) group as self-serving individuals who want have the Ohana Charter Amendment proposal passed for their personal benefit. Nothing could be further from the truth!
Either the Task Force failed to do their homework or they wanted to find a way to cast aspersions about Ohana. In fact Ohana was organized about 4 years ago by Kaua‘i attorney, Sam Blair. His dream was to have an open organization for anyone to work on solutions for the betterment of our island. When he was unable to continue another caring person, Walter Lewis, picked up the reins and with the same thoughts that Mr. Blair had is pursuing his goals. The Ohana members include educators, farmers, professional people and everyday citizens who have no personal agenda other than trying to keep this island a better place for everyone. Ohana is open to all who want to see Kaua‘i as the right kind of place for everyone and keep it that way for our kids and grandkids. Remember that the Task Force is a closed-end nine person group appointed by the Council and the Mayor for a single purpose.
Ohana has first addressed the problem of runaway property taxes which have heavily impacted our resident homeowners and has offered a proposal for their relief. If the Ohana Charter amendment proposed is adopted at our General Election this November, it will then become law. The Task Force has recommended good ideas to the Council and some may lead to beneficial tax reform. However, if the Council’s track record for acting promptly is any indicator it is likely that a lot of time will pass before any action occurs. I regret that the Task Force has chosen to cloud discussions of the issues involved with personal attacks rather than employing a dialogue based on ideas for the betterment of all.
Glenn Mickens
Kapa‘a
