LIHU‘E — In a time when most financial institutions charge more than $30 for bounced checks, the county administration is still charging $7.50 for such a fee. But that may change pretty soon — and very steeply, as a new
LIHU‘E — In a time when most financial institutions charge more than $30 for bounced checks, the county administration is still charging $7.50 for such a fee. But that may change pretty soon — and very steeply, as a new proposed fee would increase the penalty 400 percent.
The Kaua‘i County Council last week passed on first reading Bill 2443, which proposes to increase the fee for bad checks to $30. The measure was introduced by request of the Cost Control Commission.
“I really appreciate the Cost Control Commission looking at ways to bring these fees up to speed,” said Councilman Mel Rapozo.
Rapozo added that the commission’s function, by Kaua‘i County Charter, is actually looking into cost-cutting measures. “This thing should be handled, in my opinion, by the Finance Department.”
“Piggybacking” on Rapozo’s comments, Council Vice Chair JoAnn Yukimura said it is the job of the administration to keep fee updated. The council got “quite a bit of flack” recently for a sharp increase in car registration fees, but mainly because the administration failed to make incremental increases over the years.
“It really is a matter of good management that we keep the fees updated,” Yukimura said.
Council Chair Jay Furfaro said that in 2006 he introduced legislation to rename the commission to Cost Control and Revenue Commission, because they also look into real property taxes, which represent about 83 percent of the county’s income.
But the measure was defeated at the council.
Councilwoman Nadine Nakamura said Furfaro’s bill is something that should be “resurrected,” and she would be interested in supporting it.
The council scheduled a public hearing for the bill on Sept. 5, and referred to its Finance Committee.
• Léo Azambuja, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or lazambuja@ thegardenisland.com.
