Two weeks ago we found out that a tax increase was coming for the GET to pay elderly health programs. This helps those who have led productive lives, raised families, paid for housing and were part of a community sometimes
Two weeks ago we found out that a tax increase was coming for the GET to pay elderly health programs. This helps those who have led productive lives, raised families, paid for housing and were part of a community sometimes for a lifetime.
Last week our politicians were able to find $650,000 somewhere to provide 32 homeless units, which is $20,312.50 per unit. I feel that money does not include maintenance, repair, utilities and management, which could raise it up to $750,000 for the first year or $23,437.50/unit.
This for people whose demographics are 25 to 45 years old and able-bodied adults. Why? It is almost 1 1/2 times the yearly salary of a full-time minimum wage earner, as of Jan. 1, who actually works. Do homeless want to be assimilated into society or just be given handouts?
Camp people have been interviewed and admit they like it under tarps. Last week, a man was interviewed who said he was homeless for three years in California but only a month here. How did he get here? If they say “anything helps” why do they smoke on the corners sometimes with animals while texting on cellphones? Help for what? This is a nation built on a work ethic and opportunity to succeed not by sponging on others.
Now, Sen. Green wants an obvious transparent political ploy to “pass the burden on to the mainland” by a 5 percent construction tax on new high-end homes. You’re still sponging off others who work at success!
Besides, on a $20 million house he mentioned is $1 million for the homeless. That’s a big number and a big invite enabling more homeless to come here and clutter our street corners and parks. It’s easy to just say raise a tax. Senator, have you ever conceptualized taking extra energy to look at ways to reduce spending? Giveaways work until the other person runs out of money.
How about $300 rent per month for each of the 32 units for utilities, maintenance and management, which they could take out of tax free beggings, part-time income, any other payments or other programs we pay for like EBT, WIC, supplemental, etc. A paid pandering license for street corner begging is another option.
Now, back to the first two paragraphs — how come $650,000 could be found to support people who do nothing but we need a tax for productive elderly citizens?
Don Zero is a resident of Kailua-Kona
My Turn opinions are those of the writer and not of West Hawaii Today
