• Ohana Kauai and County Council • BOE comment • Kaha Lani view on bike path • Stolen dog • The Gas Mess Ohana Kauai and County Council Contentions have been made by two members of the Kauai County Council
• Ohana Kauai and County Council
• BOE comment
• Kaha Lani view on bike path
• Stolen dog
• The Gas Mess
Ohana Kauai and County Council
Contentions have been made by two members of the Kauai County Council that the Ohana Kauai Charter amendment proposal to limit property taxes for resident homeowners will hinder County capabilities for obtaining revenue and adversely affect the County’s credit rating. These claims are irresponsible.
In the current year the County realized $47.5 million in revenues from property taxes. Of that amount $5.6 million was from property owners in the homestead class. It is estimated that the Ohana proposal would reduce revenues from this class by about $1 million per year or about 1% of County revenues.
The potential to increase revenues elsewhere is apparent. For example, the recent property tax task force report recommends that properties which are offered primarily as vacation rentals which now enjoy quite favorable rates should be taxed as commercial properties, as they are. If they were, several million dollars of additional revenue might be obtained more than offsetting any revenue loss from the Ohana proposal.
The Council members have suggested on the record that the Ohana proposal could affect the County’s capability for borrowing of funds at reasonable rates. The facts are otherwise. The County’s credit rating depends on an evaluation of the County’s ability to repay its obligations. At most, the Ohana proposal reduces revenues from only about 5% of the County’s current property tax base. Many citizens are concerned about the County’s appetite for spending. Perhaps regrettably, neither the Ohana proposal nor any other known program places serious restraints on the County’s expenditures or borrowings.
Glenn Mickens
Kapa‘a
BOE comment
After reading Sherwood Hara’s statement “Governance of the BOE is not directly related to what happens in the classroom”, I strongly doubt that Mr. Hara has any understanding of the responsiblities of the office to which he was elected.
Monroe Richman
Koloa
Kaha Lani view on bike path
We’ve read with interest the many letters in opposition to the bicycle path north of Wailua River.
Many of us at Kaha Lani (between Lydgate and the new Kamalani Pavilion) were also apprehensive when the path was first proposed. Now that it has been in place for more than a year, most of us are pleased with the result.
The path runs between our property and the ocean front. It is well mauka of the beach, and it appears to have had no effect on the honu and monk seals, who continue to grace us with their appearances.
We take great pleasure in observing the use of the bike path. Families come out to stroll, keiki learn to skate and ride bikes, parents come by with strollers, and it is an ideal place to take someone for an excursion in wheelchair. We see many joggers and dog-walkers. There is a steady stream of folks who appear to be from all walks of life and all age groups, all of whom seem to be having a wonderful time. Most important, all of these people can simultaneously enjoy the ocean. The enjoyment would be lost if the extended bike path were to be diverted along Papaloa Road, out of sight (and feel) of the ocean.
Come take a look! The bike path has added to our enjoyment of our property. It’s really a plus for everyone.
Sue and Dick Burriss
Lihu‘e
Stolen dog
I too was angered and relieved by the stolen dog story last week. But, I can’t quite understand that in those same hours/days the puppy was missing, there were probably a thousand abortions performed in this country. Is it just me? Our hearts go out to this puppy, while a thousand babies die, and we just accept it. What has our society come to?
Kris Van Dahm
Kapa‘a
The Gas Mess
Service station operators try to hold down gas prices but they are caught in a bind — they cannot control their costs. Still. with all that, gas, is cheaper than bottled water which sells for $20.58 per gallon premium.
Thank them and also our automakers for making cars that run on gas.
Our government fathers also try to hoid down property taxes but they can only say, “we are trying” they have to eat too!
Is there no end or control to this merry-go-round or should we resign ourselves to cutting down on desserts and that extra bowl of rice for dinner?
In the old days, our parents forced us to eat more rice in order to strengthen our bodies for the tasks ahead — what happened?
As today’s problems get bigger, we are forced to eat less and find jobs (any job) c1oser to home so that we do not have to fill up our gas tanks more than twice a month to keep within our budget.
Oh, for those good old horse and buggy days — all we needed then was barley, grass and water. No license tags — we saved!
As we get smarter, we turn our lives and ways into a mess that forces us to barely keep our heads above water — or should we say oil?
Anyway, take heart, it can’t get much worse. Someday I will be able to buy that extra pair of shoes so that I can walk more rather riding so much.
Good News — we can still breathe free air! No charge for air at the gas station too.
Happy April!
Yasu Nakamatsu
Kapa‘sa
